Stephen King faces backlash after false claim about Charlie Kirk

In a controversial incident that occurred in September 2025, in the United States, author Stephen King made a false claim on social media regarding Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist. In his post, King stated that Kirk had advocated for "stoning gays to death," which was met with immediate backlash. Following the public outrage, King deleted the post and issued an apology, stating he was wrong and that Kirk's actual views were misrepresented as they reflected how some cherry-pick Biblical passages. Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was recently assassinated during a campus event at Utah Valley University. The shocking act of violence led to widespread mourning and condemnation across various platforms, with many expressing outrage over Kirk's death. Following the incident, many social media users criticized King's post, emphasizing its inaccuracy and the harm it could cause. Notably, Senator Mike Lee suggested that Kirk's estate could pursue a defamation lawsuit against King for the misleading statement, implying that King's words crossed a legal line. Following the backlash to his statement and the ensuing apology, King's reputation faced serious repercussions. The major UK-based online bookstore, Belfast Books, announced its decision to remove all of King's works from its website, claiming that the author's apology was insufficient. They characterized his original remarks as "abhorrent" and called for a more substantial acknowledgment of the damage caused. The bookstore expressed disappointment, stating they once held King in high regard but could not support him after such comments. King’s actions have drawn significant media attention, sparking debates about the responsibilities of public figures when speaking about sensitive subjects, particularly in a polarized political climate. The author’s brief and insufficient apology raised questions about accountability in the public commentary landscape, underlining the potential consequences of spreading false information, especially in the wake of a tragic and shocking event such as Kirk's assassination. The community continues to react, suggesting that this incident may have lasting impacts on King’s career and public image.