Stephen King's apology ignites debate after his controversial remarks on Charlie Kirk's stance and subsequent tragedy unfold.
Stephen King apologized on Friday after mistakenly asserting that conservative activist Charlie Kirk advocated for stoning gays to death in a now-deleted post on X. While retracting the false claim, King made it clear his regret concerned only the misinformation, reiterating his criticism of how certain people interpret Biblical texts selectively.
King’s comment came just days after Kirk, the founder of Turning PointUSA, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, sparking widespread reactions across political and media circles.
Details of the Controversial Exchange on Social Media
The author’s statement was in response to a tweet from Fox News host Jesse Watters, who argued that Kirk was not a divisive or controversial figure despite his polarizing reputation. King replied to Watters, saying,
“He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’,”
a declaration that quickly drew harsh condemnation from Kirk’s supporters and prominent conservatives such as Senator Ted Cruz, who labeled King “a horrible, evil, twisted liar.”
King later admitted his mistake, tweeting,
“This is what I get for reading something on Twitter w/o [without] fact-checking. Won’t happen again,”
acknowledging the error but maintaining his original critique of selective Biblical interpretation.
Kirk’s Past Comments on Biblical Passages and LGBTQIA+ Issues
King was referring to remarks Kirk made earlier in 2024 when he criticized YouTuber Ms. Rachel for defending Pridecelebrations using the phrase “love your neighbor” from the Bible. In a video circulated on X, Kirk mocked Ms. Rachel, saying,
Image of: Stephen King
“Ms. Rachel, you might wanna crack open that Bible of yours, in a lesser referenced part of the same part of scripture is in Leviticus 18 is that thou shall lay with another man, shall be stoned to death.”
Kirk added the phrase “Just sayin’” with a smirk, highlighting his focus on Leviticus 18:22, which states:
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”
Charlie Kirk’s Influence and the Circumstances of His Death
Charlie Kirk, who founded Turning Point USA at the age of 18, had become a significant right-wing voice in recent years. He made frequent appearances on news programs, championing conservative causes and aligning strongly with former President Donald Trump. Kirk was well-known for hosting interactive events on college campuses where he challenged attendees to debate political views at his “prove me wrong” booth.
He was at the booth in Orem, Utah, during the first stop of his American Comeback tour when the shooting occurred. Social media videos captured the moment Kirk was struck in the neck, while other clips showed students fleeing the sound of gunfire.
Reactions From Political Figures and Law Enforcement Updates
The shooting drew immediate attention from political leaders. Former President Trump posted on Truth Social,
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Following Kirk’s death, Trump ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff through Sunday evening as a mark of respect.
Authorities announced on Friday that suspect Tyler Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday night. Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest during a press briefing, opening with:
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We got him.”
Kirk’s Legacy and Surviving Family
Kirk’s sudden death leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona USA, and their two children. As news unfolds, the incident has heightened tensions within political and social discourse, underscoring the volatility surrounding figures like Kirk and the deep divides on campus and beyond.
The Stephen King Charlie Kirk controversy has reignited discussions about political rhetoric, the interpretation of religious texts, and the consequences of misinformation in highly charged environments.
