Stephen King Walks Back And Deletes Viral Post About Charlie Kirk Amid Backlash
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM EDT
Stephen King has walked back a claim he made on social media alleging that far-right activist Charlie Kirk called for the stoning of gay people. The bestselling author admitted he was wrong after facing swift backlash online, deleting his original post and issuing a public apology. The controversy began when King responded to a tribute to Kirk posted by Fox News host Jesse Watters, who wrote, “Charlie Kirk was not a ‘controversial’ or ‘polarizing’ man. Charlie was a PATRIOT.” In a since-deleted post, Stephen King replied, “Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.”
Stephen King Admits He Was Wrong After False Claim About Charlie Kirk
The comment drew immediate criticism, including from X users who accused the author of spreading misinformation about the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder, who was fatally shot on Wednesday at Utah Valley University, and by Friday, King admitted he had gotten it wrong. “I was wrong, and I apologize,” he wrote on X. “I have deleted the post.”
In a follow-up message, the horror writer clarified: “I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages.” The apology came after an X user called him out directly, sharing what appeared to be a 2019 Kirk tweet in which the activist stated, “Marriage is one man one woman. Also, gay people should be welcome in the conservative movement.”
Trump Announces Kirk Will Receive Medal Of Freedom
Kirk’s assassination has reverberated through the political world. On Thursday, during his Pentagon 9/11 memorial address, President Donald Trump praised Kirk and announced that he would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children, fantastic people they are,” Trump said at the time. “We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
Hollywood Reacts To Charlie Kirk’s Death
News of Kirk’s assassination quickly rippled beyond politics, drawing stunned reactions from celebrities who shared condolences for his family.
Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth called the killing “a sad, senseless, and disgusting act” on her Instagram Stories. “Wow… prayers for the Kirk family and prayers for our nation,” she added.
Comedian Russell Brand shared a message on Instagram directed at Kirk’s widow, Erika Frantzve Kirk, and their two children, writing, “He was a good, strange Christian man. Dear God please comfort his family.”
Actor Chris Pratt also spoke out on X, writing, “Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God’s grace. God help us.”
And former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reflected on the moment with a message of unity, writing, “This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.”
Suspect Tyler Robinson In Custody
Authorities say 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been taken into custody for the assassination of conservative activist Kirk. The Utah native is currently being held at the Utah County Jail as prosecutors prepare formal charges.
Investigators say Robinson’s own family provided critical insight during interviews, describing how he had grown more politically outspoken in recent years and expressed disdain for Kirk’s positions. According to relatives, Robinson even mentioned Kirk’s scheduled appearance at Utah Valley University ahead of the event that turned deadly.
According to NBC, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed his office expects to file charges, including aggravated murder, by Tuesday. Robinson is expected to make his first court appearance shortly after.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Charlie Kirk wasn’t just another conservative commentator. He was a political force who started young and built an empire. At only 18, he launched Turning Point USA out of his parents’ garage, a scrappy startup that snowballed into one of the most powerful youth movements in American politics.
By his mid-20s, Kirk had become a mainstay on Fox News and the conservative conference circuit, known for his fiery speeches and unapologetic style. His close ties to President Donald Trump cemented his status as a rising star on the right. Loved and loathed in equal measure, Kirk drew huge crowds of supporters who praised his “truth-telling,” while critics accused him of fueling division and spreading misinformation.
