Warning: This article discusses discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community which may be distressing to some readers.
Elon Musk confronted Stephen King with a direct allegation following the renowned horror author’s remarks about activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination in Utah.
Both Musk and King, along with other notable figures, have been sharing posts regarding Kirk after the Turning Point USA founder was tragically killed during a debate at Utah Valley University on September 10.
During his speech about gun violence, Kirk was suddenly shot in the neck by a bullet seemingly from a nearby rooftop, resulting in fatal injuries.
Many have paid tribute to Kirk, including President Donald Trump who hailed him as ‘legendary’. However, several social media users pointed out that Kirk was a contentious figure with numerous detractors at the time of his passing.
King was among those who chose not to overlook some of Kirk’s more contentious actions, as evidenced when he replied to Fox News’ Jesse Watters. Watters had claimed Kirk was not ‘controversial’ or ‘polarizing’.
Watters remarked: “Charlie was a PATRIOT… Rest in peace, my friend.”
King responded by stating: “He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.”
King’s comment appears to refer to a video where Kirk cited Leviticus 18 while discussing pride month. This followed YouTuber Ms. Rachel’s reference to the Bible to remind people to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’.
Kirk stated: “By the way Ms. Rachel, you might want to crack open that Bible of yours, in a lesser referenced part in the same part of scripture, is in Leviticus 18 is that ‘Thou shall lay with another man, shall be stoned to death.’ Just saying… [This chapter] affirms God’s perfect law when it comes to sexual matters.”
A social media user countered King’s claim by suggesting: “Clearly Charlie Kirk was showing how people cherry pick which parts of the Bible they honor. He wasn’t himself advocating for the violence Stephen King described.”
Musk, upon seeing King’s post, gave a curt response: “Liar.”
Previously, Kirk had expressed opposition to same-sex marriage in 2019, stating: “I believe marriage is one man one woman.”
He also added: “Also gay people should be welcome in the conservative movement. As Christians we are called to love everyone.”
In September 2024, Kirk told a gay Wisconsin college student: “I don’t agree with your lifestyle.”
Despite disagreeing with Kirk’s views, King shared a post from Barack Obama denouncing the violence against Kirk.
Obama’s statement was: “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
King endorsed the message by adding: “All correct.”
The publication has reached out to King for comment.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by gun violence, more information and support are available via Survivors Empowered on their website.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak to someone confidentially, contact the LGBT national hotline at 888-843-4564, available Monday to Friday 4pm-12am ET and 12pm-5pm ET on Saturdays.