For decades, bestselling horror writer Stephen King has wielded his fame and platform as both a celebrated author and outspoken liberal voice. But now, one of the most famous writers in the world is facing a backlash unlike any he has seen before. A Belfast-based book company in Northern Ireland has announced it is removing all of King’s titles from its catalog after his controversial comments about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
King, who has long courted controversy with his political commentary, recently smeared Kirk online by falsely suggesting that Kirk supported “stoning” gay people. The remarks, which were widely condemned as not only false but deeply slanderous, provoked outrage among conservatives and even discomfort among some of King’s own readers.
The Belfast retailer’s decision to pull his titles may not cripple King’s empire, but it represents something more profound: a rare moment of accountability for one of Hollywood and literature’s most untouchable figures.
A Long History of Political Outspokenness
Stephen King is known worldwide for novels like The Shining, It, and The Stand. His works have sold hundreds of millions of copies and inspired countless film adaptations. But over the last twenty years, King has built another reputation: that of a loud and often abrasive political commentator.
His Twitter (now X) account has been a running feed of anti-conservative barbs, Trump criticisms, and liberal cultural commentary. To his fans on the left, he is admired for speaking “truth to power.” To critics on the right, he has become an emblem of Hollywood liberal arrogance — someone who believes his fame insulates him from accountability.
For many conservatives, the recent comments about Charlie Kirk were the final straw.
The Charlie Kirk Smear
Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk — who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University earlier this month — tributes poured in from leaders, allies, and ordinary Americans. Yet King chose a different approach. In a now-deleted post, he falsely claimed Kirk had once endorsed the idea of “stoning” gay people.
There is no evidence Kirk ever made such a statement. The claim was immediately debunked, but the damage had already been done. Supporters of Kirk, including his widow Erika, expressed anguish at how even in death, his name was being tarnished with lies.
King attempted an apology, calling his post “ill-informed” and saying he regretted it. But the apology struck many as hollow, especially as it came only after backlash gained traction.
Belfast Book Company Responds
What shocked many observers was not just King’s comment, but the response it provoked from a company far outside America’s partisan battles. A Belfast book retailer announced it would pull all of King’s books from its website, citing his slander of Kirk as the reason.
In a statement, the company said:
“We thought so much more of you Stephen King, and even though this may harm us financially we’re removing all your books from our website. Absolute abhorrent and ill-informed comment in the first instance that an inchoate apology doesn’t begin to cover. Go further.”
The decision is both symbolic and significant. Bookstores typically avoid wading into politics, particularly when it involves bestselling authors who drive revenue. For a retailer to openly call out King — and admit the move could cost them financially — sends a powerful message.
Consequences for the Untouchables
For decades, elites like King have spoken with impunity. Celebrities, authors, and entertainers have often assumed they could say whatever they wanted about conservatives, Christians, or political opponents without fear of reprisal.
That era, some argue, may be ending.
“When even left-leaning companies in Europe are calling you out, you know the tide is turning,” one commentator said. “Truth still matters. You can’t just smear someone, especially someone who has just been murdered, and think you’ll get away with it.”
This sentiment echoes a larger trend: the idea that accountability is catching up with cultural elites who once seemed untouchable.
The Broader Cultural Context
The reaction to King’s remarks fits into a broader cultural shift. In recent years, conservatives have pushed back harder against perceived slander and double standards in media and entertainment.
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Cancel culture, once wielded almost exclusively by progressives against conservatives, is now being mirrored back at liberal figures.
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The posthumous slander of Charlie Kirk struck a deep nerve because of the timing — a grieving family was forced to see lies about their husband and father spread while they were still planning his funeral.
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The Belfast company’s decision shows that even businesses far removed from American politics can no longer ignore the fallout of cultural battles.
Fans Turn Away
Even among longtime fans of King, frustration is mounting.
“Although one of my favorite authors, I stopped supporting him years ago,” one reader admitted. “Won’t buy any of his books. But I am pleased his open hatred finally garnered consequences.”
Social media is filled with similar reactions: people who once devoured King’s novels are now pledging to boycott his work. Whether this represents a major dent in sales remains to be seen, but reputationally, King is facing a reckoning he has rarely encountered.
Free Speech vs. Slander
Defenders of King argue that his comments, however misguided, fall under the umbrella of free speech. They point out that he issued an apology and question whether a single post should define his career.
But critics push back: free speech does not protect slander. False accusations — especially ones as inflammatory as supporting violence against minorities — are not just offensive but legally precarious.
Had Kirk lived, his lawyers might have pursued defamation claims. With Kirk’s assassination still raw, King’s post was viewed as not only irresponsible but cruel.
Erika Kirk’s Perspective
Though Erika Kirk has not directly responded to King, her public statements since her husband’s death have focused on truth and legacy.
“They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and God’s merciful love,” she said in a recent address. “But his voice will remain. The lies cannot silence him.”
For Erika and millions of Kirk’s supporters, King’s false claims are part of a broader attempt to distort Charlie’s legacy. And for them, the Belfast company’s decision was a rare moment of justice.
A Warning Shot to Hollywood
The King controversy may serve as a warning to other celebrities and authors. The days of speaking recklessly about conservatives without consequence may be over.
Already, conservative commentators are pointing to King’s situation as proof that accountability is finally reaching Hollywood elites. “Many, many more to go,” one activist wrote, hinting at hopes that other outspoken liberal figures may face similar pushback.
Conclusion: Truth Still Matters
Stephen King will remain one of the world’s most successful authors. His books will still line shelves, and his movies will still stream worldwide. But the Belfast boycott signals something larger than one writer’s misstep.
It shows that truth still matters. That even elites with global fame are not immune from consequences when they spread falsehoods. And that the cultural tide may be shifting — where slander, especially against the dead, no longer goes unanswered.
For decades, King has believed he could say whatever he wanted about conservatives. This time, his words carried a price.
Whether that price grows into a larger movement against liberal elites remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Stephen King, for once, is not the one writing the ending.
