Sarasota’s Stephen King Issues Apology for Misstatement Regarding Charlie Kirk

Stephen King Apologizes for Misstatement about Charlie Kirk

Notable Sarasota resident and author Stephen King has issued multiple apologies for inaccurately accusing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically shot on a Utah college campus on September 10, 2025. Kirk was known for his conservative views and also owned property in Sarasota.

In a now-deleted post on X, King wrongfully asserted that 31-year-old Kirk had advocated for killing gay individuals by throwing stones. Following backlash, he recognized his error, clarifying that Kirk’s statements were misinterpreted after being taken out of context.

Apology Details

King expressed regret for his earlier claim, stating, “I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages,” on X on September 12.

Among those condemning King’s initial remarks was Senator Ted Cruz, who labeled King as a “horrible, evil, twisted liar.” In response, King noted, “This is what I get for reading something on Twitter (without) fact-checking. Won’t happen again.”

Cruz later commended King for retracting his statement and acknowledged the importance of mutual respect in political discourse.

King’s apologies continued as he faced criticism from various individuals, including biologist Colin Wright, who emphasized the potential danger of extreme rhetoric. King reiterated his regrets as tensions heightened following President Donald Trump’s remarks blaming attacks on political rhetoric.

Key Information

• Event: Stephen King apologizes for false claims about Charlie Kirk.
• Date: Apology made on September 12, 2025.
• Context: Kirk was fatally shot on a Utah college campus on September 10, 2025.
• Phrases: Accusations about advocating violence against gay people, later clarified by King.
• Political Reaction: Criticism from Senator Ted Cruz and others about King’s original remarks.
• Location: Kirk owned a home in Sarasota County, demonstrating his ties to influential conservative circles.

King’s long-term ties to Sarasota County and his community advocacy remain highlighted through his literary works, personally connecting him to local cultural dynamics.