Stephen King apologized Friday and deleted a social media post in which he claimed that Charlie Kirk advocated “stoning gays to death.”
King’s post on X, made Thursday, read in part, “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.” After widespread criticism online, King removed the post and posted an apology: “I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages.” He later added, “I was wrong, and I apologize. I have deleted the post.”
The comments came days after the 31-year-old conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a father of two, was struck in the neck beneath a white pop-up tent and was pronounced dead Wednesday afternoon. Authorities said the suspect in the killing is in federal custody.
King’s deleted post prompted immediate backlash across social media and from public officials. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, urged that Kirk’s estate pursue a defamation suit against King, writing on X, “Please share if you agree that the estate of Charlie Kirk should sue Stephen King for defamation over this heinously false accusation. He’s crossed a line. It will prove costly.”
Public reaction to Kirk’s death has been broad and polarized. President Donald Trump, who counted Kirk as a friend and ally, called him a patriot and a man of deep faith on Friday’s edition of Fox & Friends, saying Kirk was “such a great guy” and that the tragedy had enlarged his stature. Vigils and remembrances were held by supporters in multiple cities following the shooting.
King’s deleted post and apology came amid heightened scrutiny of online speech in the wake of the assassination. Social media users and commentators criticized the initial claim as false and inflammatory; others urged restraint in attributing extreme statements to public figures without clear evidence.
Fox News Digital reported that it had reached out to King for further comment. Coverage of Kirk’s death has described him as a controversial and provocative figure in conservative politics, and has noted that his campus appearance drew a large crowd and heightened tensions. Investigators have taken the suspect into federal custody and an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
King is a widely known author whose posts on social platforms often draw public attention. In this case, his retraction underlined the rapid spread and response dynamics of social media claims, especially in the context of a high-profile and emotionally charged killing. Legal experts and commentators noted that defamation claims hinge on proving false statements presented as fact and resulting harm, an issue raised publicly by some of Kirk’s supporters following King’s deleted post.
Officials continue to investigate the shooting at Utah Valley University, and reporters and public figures have continued to debate the coverage and commentary surrounding Kirk’s life and death.