In a dramatic and unexpected move that has sparked global conversation, Belfast Books, a prominent independent bookseller based in Northern Ireland, announced Friday that it will be removing all of author Stephen King’s works from its website.
The decision comes in response to a social media post by King that falsely accused the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk of advocating for violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
King, one of the world’s best-known authors, claimed in a now-deleted tweet that Kirk had “called for the stoning of gays,” a statement that was widely criticized as baseless and inflammatory.
The tweet, which appeared shortly after the assassination of Kirk during a public event at Utah Valley University, drew intense backlash from conservative commentators, Kirk supporters, and free speech advocates alike.
Belfast Books, known for its diverse catalog and politically neutral stance, issued a statement on its website and social media channels explaining the decision to remove King’s catalog, which includes dozens of titles spanning horror, suspense, and fantasy genres.
“We cannot in good conscience continue to profit from the works of a writer who spreads false and damaging statements about a man who was just murdered,” the store’s statement read.
“Stephen King’s comment about Charlie Kirk was not only factually untrue, it was cruel, reckless, and entirely unbecoming of someone with such a powerful platform.”
King’s tweet, which was shared by millions before it was taken down, accused Charlie Kirk of promoting extremist views and directly stated that he had “called for the stoning of gays.”
The claim appears to have originated from a misinterpreted online post or video clip, though no such quote from Kirk exists in verified public records or media appearances.
Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated earlier this month during a student Q&A session in Utah. The shooting is now being investigated as a politically motivated act, with the alleged gunman in custody and reportedly influenced by online political discourse.
Kirk was known for his controversial but constitutionally protected views on a variety of social and cultural issues, including religious liberty, education, and gender identity.
While Kirk had been openly critical of progressive ideology and had taken firm stances on topics such as gender policy in schools and women’s sports, he had never advocated violence against any group, according to a broad range of publicly available speeches, interviews, and writings.
Stephen King, a vocal critic of conservative politics, faced immediate criticism for the tweet, including from other authors, journalists, and civil rights advocates who said that spreading false information after someone’s death was unacceptable, regardless of political differences.
The decision by Belfast Books marks a rare public rebuke of one of the most prolific and widely read authors of the last century. While many bookstores have shied away from politically charged actions, Belfast Books said the choice was about integrity, not partisanship.
“This isn’t about ideology,” the store explained in its statement. “It’s about truth and decency. Mr. Kirk’s political positions may be controversial, but to falsely accuse him of calling for the murder of others — and to do so in the immediate wake of his assassination — is appalling. We believe our readers deserve better.”
The store added that the decision to delist King’s books was not permanent and that the author could be reinstated if he issues a formal apology and takes steps to correct the record.
“If Mr. King publicly acknowledges his mistake and demonstrates accountability, we would be open to carrying his books again,” the statement said.
For now, customers visiting the Belfast Books website will no longer find King’s extensive catalog of novels, short stories, and screenplays available for purchase.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters praised the bookstore for defending factual discourse and showing respect for the recently deceased. Prominent conservative figures applauded the move, calling it a rare example of cultural accountability being applied to voices on the left.
“This is what standing up for truth looks like,” said radio host Dana Loesch. “Belfast Books did something brave in an age where people are afraid to challenge the elite class. Good for them.”
Social media users rallied behind the hashtag #BoycottStephenKing and flooded King’s social channels with demands for a retraction and apology. At the same time, critics of Belfast Books have accused the store of censorship and bowing to political pressure.
King himself has not yet responded to the bookstore’s decision. He has also not issued any clarification or correction about his tweet, though he quietly deleted it within hours of posting.
This silence has fueled further criticism, with many pointing out that a public figure of King’s stature should be held to a higher standard, especially when commenting on matters involving a national tragedy.
The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about misinformation, especially when it comes from influential public figures. In the current climate, where statements made on platforms like X or Facebook can instantly reach tens of millions, the consequences of false claims can be swift and far-reaching.
Experts in media ethics say this incident highlights the responsibilities that come with such reach.
“People like Stephen King have millions of followers and wield immense cultural power,” said Professor Alicia Morgan, a journalism and ethics expert at Trinity College Dublin.
“When they speak, people listen — often without checking for facts. That’s why it’s absolutely vital they exercise care and humility when speaking on sensitive topics.”
Morgan added that while King is known for his fiction, when he engages in political commentary, the public interprets his statements as serious and informed. “There is no excuse for spreading false claims, especially about someone who cannot defend themselves because they were just murdered,” she said.
While it remains to be seen whether other bookstores will follow suit, Belfast Books’ decision represents a significant reputational moment for King.
Once beloved across the political spectrum for his compelling storytelling and literary contributions, his increasing involvement in online political discourse has opened him up to criticism from audiences who once adored his work.
Many longtime fans now find themselves at odds over whether to separate the art from the artist.
“I’ve read every Stephen King book since I was a teenager,” said one former customer of Belfast Books. “But I don’t know if I can keep supporting someone who uses their platform to lie about a dead man. That crosses a line.”
Others defend King’s right to speak his mind, even if he gets it wrong. “Everyone says something stupid online now and then,” one Twitter user posted. “He deleted it. Move on.”
But for many, especially those mourning Charlie Kirk and demanding accountability, the deletion isn’t enough.
In its concluding remarks, the store emphasized that its decision should be viewed as part of a broader commitment to truth, not a political attack.
“We believe in books,” the statement read. “We believe in open ideas, debate, and expression. But above all, we believe in responsibility. When someone with influence spreads lies — particularly about someone who has just been violently taken from us — there must be consequences. That is the standard we will uphold.”
The Kirk family has not issued a statement on the matter, though Turning Point USA has reportedly thanked the bookstore privately for its action.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the intersection of celebrity, misinformation, and morality remains a volatile place. And for now, in one corner of Belfast, truth is taking precedence over bestsellers.v
