Stephen King Issues Apology for Claiming Charlie Kirk 'Promoted the Stoning of Gays'

      Horror legend Stephen King issued an apology after claiming that the late Charlie Kirk “advocated stoning gays to death,” admitting that he had misrepresented the conservative activist's remarks.

      “I apologize for stating that Charlie Kirk supported stoning gays,” King wrote on X. “What he actually illustrated was how some individuals selectively interpret Biblical verses.”

      King's comments regarding Kirk and the stoning of gay individuals were made in response to Fox News’ Jesse Watters tweeting that Kirk was not a “controversial” or “polarizing” figure.

      King reiterated claims that Kirk supported stoning based on a video clip in which Kirk responds to children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, citing a Biblical verse from Leviticus—a call to love one's neighbor—to advocate for tolerance.

      Kirk points out that another verse from Leviticus, frequently referenced by anti-gay groups, condemns men engaging with other men.

      Stephen King and Others Faced Backlash for Discussing the Death of Free Speech Advocate Charlie Kirk

      King faced criticism from many of Kirk's friends and supporters, including Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, who labeled him a “horrible, evil, twisted liar.”

      In light of his critics, including Cruz, King took a moment to respond and mention that he had apologized.

      “The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes,” King replied to Cruz. “This is what I get for reading something on Twitter without verifying the facts. It won’t happen again.”

      A prolific writer known for his novels that have inspired iconic films such as Carrie, The Shining, and The Shawshank Redemption, King is recognized as one of the most widely read and influential authors today, blending detailed depictions of small-town American life with the most terrifying scenarios.

      In recent years, he has also become a vocal critic of conservative policies, particularly those of the Trump administration.

      While the predominant reactions to Kirk’s death have been condemnation of the related violence from both Democrats and Republicans, a small number of individuals have faced termination or other job consequences for celebrating Kirk’s death or for expressing what was perceived as inappropriate criticism. The Associated Press has recorded several instances of such incidents.

      On Thursday, Republican Rep. Clay Higgins from Louisiana took to X to demand that “big tech” permanently ban anyone “who spewed their smarta– hatred celebrating the heinous murder of that beautiful young man who devoted his life to delivering respectful conservative truth to liberal university enclaves, armed only with a Bible and a microphone and a Constitution.”

      Higgins also threatened to pursue action against their business licenses and permitting, advocating for “their businesses [to] be blacklisted aggressively,” and suggested they should be “removed from every school, with their driver’s licenses revoked.”

      He stated: “I’m essentially going to cancel with extreme prejudice these evil, sick individuals who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s assassination. I’m starting that today.”

      Individuals across the political spectrum condemned Higgins’ tweet as an instance of governmental overreach threatening free speech in the same manner that Kirk, a staunch advocate for free expression, opposed.

      Additionally, many pointed out a past tweet from Higgins where he mocked the 2022 hammer attack on Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, in their San Francisco home.

      Prior to Higgins’ tweet, various media platforms took measures to avoid any perception of insensitivity.

      For instance, Comedy Central decided to remove an episode of South Park from its rerun rotation in which the character Eric Cartman portrays a “master debater” akin to Charlie Kirk in debates with college students.

      Weeks before his death, Kirk responded good-naturedly to the joke, stating it was a “badge of honor” to be ridiculed by a cartoon he had enjoyed during his upbringing.

      Main image: Stephen King.