Bestselling author Stephen King has launched a scathing critique against conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, labelling his recent comments about dementia and retirement age as "dangerous" and "stupid" in a fiery social media exchange that's captured widespread attention.
The Controversial Comments That Sparked the Feud
The literary legend took to X (formerly Twitter) after Kirk suggested on his talk show that Americans should work until they develop dementia, arguing this would solve workforce shortages. Kirk's provocative statement claimed dementia patients could perform "simple jobs" and that this approach represented a "common sense" solution to labour challenges.
King, never one to shy away from political discourse, responded with characteristic bluntness: "This is so dangerous, and also so f---ing stupid." The horror master's retort quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking intense debate across social media platforms.
A History of Political Clashes
This isn't the first time King has targeted Kirk's controversial viewpoints. The acclaimed author has previously criticised the Turning Point USA founder for his stance on various social and political issues, creating an ongoing feud between the literary giant and conservative commentator.
Kirk, known for his provocative rhetoric, doubled down on his original comments during the exchange, attempting to defend his position while King's supporters flooded the thread with support for the author's stance.
Broader Implications for Age and Workforce Discussions
The explosive exchange highlights growing tensions around discussions of aging, cognitive health, and workforce participation in modern political discourse. Medical experts and disability advocates have consistently warned against stigmatising cognitive conditions or suggesting people with dementia can maintain employment.
King's intervention brings mainstream attention to what many healthcare professionals describe as dangerously misleading information about cognitive conditions and their impact on working capabilities.
As the conversation continues to ripple across social media and news platforms, the clash between entertainment icons and political commentators appears to be becoming an increasingly common feature of modern public discourse.
