Fact Check: Is Erika Kirk suing Stephen King over his comments on Charlie Kirk?

WASHINGTON, DC: Charlie Kirk's tragic death sent shockwaves across the country, leaving many devastated by the conservative activist’s untimely demise. In the aftermath, some individuals posted insensitive remarks online.

Popular author Stephen King also drew backlash for a post about Kirk, which he later deleted. Soon after, a rumor circulated online claiming that Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, planned to sue King over his remarks. But is that true?

Claim: Erika Kirk is suing Stephen King over his comments on Charlie Kirk

After Charlie Kirk's death, Stephen King wrote on X that Kirk “advocated stoning gays.” The post sparked immediate outrage and prompted King to delete it.

He later apologized, writing, “I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages."

Despite this, rumors spread online that Erika Kirk was preparing legal action against King. Some X users amplified the claim without evidence, with one writing, “Just in: Erika Kirk reportedly in discussions to sue Stephen King for defaming her husband’s character. She should sue everyone."

Another X user mentioned, "Erika Kirk to sue Stephen King. I say Good for her!"

Fact Check: False, no evidence to back the viral claim

There is no credible evidence that Erika Kirk is suing Stephen King. No reputable media outlets have reported on such a lawsuit, and online searches found nothing to substantiate the rumor.

If true, the story would have been widely covered, given its significance. Neither Erika Kirk’s social media activity nor her recent public appearances have referenced King or any legal action.

Belfast bookstore bans Stephen King books after remarks on Charlie Kirk

Belfast Books, an Ireland-based store, announced it was pulling Stephen King’s works from its shelves following his comments on Charlie Kirk.

“We thought so much more of you @StephenKing, and even though this may harm us financially, we’re removing all your books from our website. An absolutely abhorrent and ill-informed comment in the first instance that an inchoate apology doesn’t begin to cover. Go further,” the store wrote on X.

Following Kirk's death, King vocally condemned Kirk's words before accidentally sharing misinformation that the conservative activist called for LGBTQ+ individuals to be stoned to death.

He referred to a moment in 2024 when Kirk took issue with Rachel, a YouTuber who focuses on educational children's content.

She argued that the phrase "love your neighbor" in the Bible applies to gay people, and Kirk said, "By the way, Ms Rachel, you might want to crack open that Bible of yours. In a lesser reference, part of the same part of scripture is in Leviticus 18, which states, ‘Thou shalt not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination.' Just saying."

King later clarified that Kirk was quoting scripture to make a point, not endorsing the words themselves. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.