Stephen King is now the most banned author in the US, with his books banned 206 times in the last year. Learn why his works are being targeted and what King had to say about it.
Stephen King, the legendary author of horror novels like The Shining, Carrie, and It, is no stranger to controversy. But now, he’s facing an unexpected challenge: his books have been banned more times than any other author in the United States.
According to data from the non-profit organization PEN America, there were 6,800 instances of books being banned or removed during the 2024-2025 school year. The report, titled Banned in the USA, reveals that 80% of these bans occurred in three states: Florida, Texas, and Tennessee.
King’s books, particularly his famous works like Carrie and The Stand, have been banned a staggering 206 times. These books have been removed from school libraries due to their mature themes, including violence and sexual content, which are often at the center of book bans across the country.
In response to the news, King took to X (formerly Twitter) to make his stance clear. “May I suggest you pick up one of them and see what all the pissing & moaning is about? Self-righteous book banners don’t always get to have their way. This is still America, dammit,” the 78-year-old author said.
Why Stephen King’s Books Are Targeted
King’s books have been repeatedly banned, especially in places where adult content, LGBTQ+ themes, and discussions on race are being targeted for removal. According to Kasey Meehan, director of PEN’s Freedom to Read program, these removals often involve the broad censorship of works dealing with difficult topics such as racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
“Some districts, in being overly cautious or fearful of punishment, will sweep so wide they end up removing Stephen King from access, too,” Meehan explained.
King himself has been vocal about book bans in the past. After learning that 23 of his books had been banned in Florida due to state legislation targeting sexually explicit materials, he responded by saying, “Florida has banned 23 of my books. What the f**k?” He encouraged readers to visit public libraries and bookstores to read what “elders” didn’t want them to know.
Book Bans on the Rise
The rise in book bans in the last three years has been a growing concern for many. According to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, the trend has only intensified. Not only is King among the most banned, but other popular authors such as Sarah J. Maas, Jodi Picoult, and Patricia McCormick have also faced similar bans in schools across the US.
These bans have sparked debates on censorship, freedom of expression, and the role of books in education and society.
Recent Controversies and Apology
In addition to his recent struggles with book bans, King has faced public backlash for his controversial remarks. Just weeks ago, after the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, King accused him of advocating for the stoning of LGBTQ+ people based on a misinterpreted Bible verse. King later apologized, admitting he had misquoted Kirk and misunderstood the context of his comments.
“I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages,” King wrote in an apology on social media.
Despite the controversies, King remains a major figure in the literary world. His works continue to captivate readers, and his response to the banning of his books shows his commitment to defending free speech and the power of literature.
