Iconic Bookstore Axes Stephen King Titles After Author's 'Racist' Smear Against Charlie Kirk

In a significant move stirring the literary world and political commentators alike, Powell's Books, a renowned independent bookstore based in Portland, Oregon, has made the decision to remove all works by best-selling author Stephen King from its website. The drastic action comes in direct response to King's recent public denouncement of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, whom the horror maestro branded as a 'racist' and 'fascist'.

The controversy ignited when King took to social media, replying to a tweet from Charlie Kirk.

Kirk's original post had shared a screenshot of an Air Force recruitment graphic, accompanying it with critical remarks about diversity initiatives within the military and asserting that 'White people' were the creators of the nation. King’s retort was swift and scathing: 'Charlie Kirk is a racist and a fascist.

Don't listen to him. He's a dangerous man.' This unreserved condemnation from an author of King's stature quickly drew widespread attention and sparked a fierce debate.

Emily Powell, the owner and CEO of Powell's Books, did not mince words regarding the store's decision. In a statement confirming the removal of King's books and related merchandise from their online catalog, Powell conveyed the bookstore's firm stance.

'We are not interested in carrying Stephen King's books at this time, following his hateful rhetoric,' she declared. This move underscores a growing trend where businesses are taking definitive positions on the political and social commentary of public figures, particularly when such statements are perceived as inflammatory or hateful.

This isn't the first time Powell's Books has delisted an author due to their public statements.

The bookstore previously removed titles by J.K. Rowling, the creator of the 'Harry Potter' series, following backlash over her comments on gender identity. These decisions reflect a broader cultural shift, where consumers and businesses are increasingly holding public figures accountable for their views, regardless of their artistic or professional achievements.

Stephen King, a prolific author with a global readership, has long been vocal about his political leanings, often expressing left-of-center viewpoints.

However, his direct and accusatory language towards Charlie Kirk appears to have crossed a line for Powell's Books, leading to the dramatic removal of his extensive bibliography from their prominent online platform. The incident serves as a potent reminder of the intersection of literature, politics, and public discourse, highlighting the potential consequences when cultural icons engage in heated political rhetoric.