Stephen King's Political Turmoil

Renowned horror author Stephen King is no stranger to the political arena, frequently sharing his perspectives on various issues. However, his latest remarks have sparked considerable backlash, prompting a public apology.

Apology Over Misleading Claims

On September 12, King took to X (formerly Twitter) to retract a statement where he accused the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk of advocating for the stoning of LGBTQ+ individuals. This incident unfolded shortly after Kirk was fatally shot while speaking to a large crowd at Utah Valley University.

Context Gone Wrong

King's initial statement was based on a misinterpretation of Kirk's remarks during his podcast. In his commentary, Kirk had been criticizing children's YouTube personality Mr. Rachel, discussing the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion by referencing Biblical teachings that promote love and acceptance.

Backlash from High-Profile Figures

The author faced harsh criticism online, notably from Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who branded King a "horrible, evil, twisted liar." Cruz challenged King's assertions, claiming they were both dishonest and filled with hatred.

A Swift Response

In response to the backlash, King issued a clear apology: "The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes. This is what I get for reading something on Twitter without fact-checking. Won't happen again." In a follow-up tweet, he clarified, "I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages." This tweet garnered over 8 million views and tens of thousands of engagements.

King's Political Presence

This isn't the first time King has expressed his opinions about current affairs. He temporarily left X last year, citing the platform's increasingly toxic environment, only to return later this year to share his views on figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Chris Pratt's Controversial Support

As the fallout from Kirk's death continues, actor Chris Pratt has also come under scrutiny for expressing his condolences on social media. On the day of Kirk's tragic passing, the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star tweeted his prayers for Kirk's family, further igniting discussions on the matter.