Elon Musk clapped back at Stephen King with a one-word reply after the author accused Charlie Kirk of advocating violence against LGBTQ+ people. The clash followed Kirk’s assassination in Utah.
Elon Musk and Stephen King have clashed online following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, with Musk delivering a sharp one-word reply to the famous author.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed during a debate event at Utah Valley University on September 10. The activist was speaking with an audience member about gun violence when he was fatally struck in the neck by a single gunshot fired from a nearby rooftop.
Stephen King’s Controversial Reaction
While tributes poured in from figures such as Donald Trump, who called Kirk “legendary,” others highlighted Kirk’s polarizing reputation. Horror novelist Stephen King was among them.
Responding to Fox News host Jesse Watters, who said Kirk was “not controversial” and described him as a patriot, King posted:
“He advocated stoning gays to death. Just sayin’.”
King’s comment referenced a video in which Kirk quoted Leviticus 18 during a Pride Month discussion, arguing that critics often “cherry pick” scripture. In the clip, Kirk referenced the verse that prescribes stoning for homosexuality, adding:
“This chapter affirms God’s perfect law when it comes to sexual matters.”
Some argued Kirk was highlighting selective use of scripture rather than personally endorsing violence.
Musk Hits Back with One Word
When Musk came across King’s claim, he responded bluntly with a single word:
“Liar.”
This exchange ignited further debate online. Supporters of Kirk argued King misrepresented his comments, while others claimed the remark reflected Kirk’s history of opposing same-sex marriage.
Kirk’s Past Statements on LGBTQ+ Issues
Kirk previously stated in 2019:
“I believe marriage is one man one woman. Also gay people should be welcome in the conservative movement. As Christians we are called to love everyone.”
In 2024, he told a gay college student:
“I don’t agree with your lifestyle.”
Despite his disagreements with Kirk’s beliefs, King later shared a statement from Barack Obama, who condemned the assassination and offered condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two children. King added:
Here’s the clip that Stephen King is referencing. He’s likely never even seen it and is just parroting MSNBC.
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. pic.twitter.com/TNSV8YqaMw
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) September 12, 2025
“All correct.”
Support and Resources
Survivors of gun violence can find support at Survivors Empowered
.
For confidential help related to LGBTQ+ issues, the LGBT National Hotline is available at 888-843-4564.
Featured Image Credit: Michael M. Santiago/Getty/Thos Robinson/Getty
