Author Stephen King issued an apology following a controversial statement regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk. King claimed on social media that Kirk had “advocated stoning gays to death,” a remark made shortly after Kirk was shot and killed at a university event in Utah on March 6, 2024. The comment sparked significant backlash, leading King to retract his statement.
In a now-deleted post on X, King responded to a tribute from television host Jesse Watters, writing, “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.” This assertion was met with immediate criticism, including from Ted Cruz, a prominent American politician, who labeled King a “horrible, evil, twisted liar” filled with hate.
King’s Admission and Apology
After facing intense scrutiny, King acknowledged his error, stating, “I apologise for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages.” He further admitted to not fact-checking his statement before posting, emphasizing that he would exercise greater caution in the future. “The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologises,” King wrote. “This is what I get for reading something on Twitter w/o fact-checking. Won’t happen again.”
In a broader commentary on violence, King also remarked that Kirk’s death exemplified “another example of American gun violence,” drawing parallels to infamous figures like Lee Harvey Oswald and James Earl Ray as individuals who killed from ambush.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The investigation into Kirk’s murder led to the arrest of Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah. He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice. A probable cause statement filed in court revealed that a family member of Robinson had communicated that he had either confessed or implied involvement in the shooting.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox shared insights from family discussions, stating that Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years. During a family dinner, Robinson expressed disdain for Kirk and his viewpoints. “The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate,” Cox reported.
As the investigation continues, the implications of Kirk’s death and the surrounding discourse highlight the complexity of political rhetoric and personal responsibility in today’s climate. The reactions to King’s comments reveal the sensitive nature of public statements in the wake of tragedy.
