Steven King, the Epstein files and protecting children – the nicholls worth
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is nearly here as we count down the days leading us into April. The need to protect children from horrific abuse has been on morbid display in the news cycle. Ever since the release of 3.5 million Epstein filesthe international outcry has been rightfully astounding.
However, the response to the files (before their heavily redacted release) from one particular horror author took many of his followers by surprise.
In a series of X posts, King’s stance on the files became abundantly clear. He did not believe the list of names in the files was legitimate. Either that, or he did not want his followers to believe the documentation carried any weight, if it existed at all.
Over the years, King had been quite outspoken about his distaste for President Donald Trump. As recently as last August, he told The Guardian about his ideal ending for “Trumpian America”.
“I would love to see him retired, let’s put it that way,” King said. “The bad ending would be that he gets a third term and takes things over completely. It’s a horror story either way. Trump is a horror story, isn’t he?”
Yet, when Elon Musk accused Trump of being listed in the Epstein files before their recent release, King’s alleged response appeared entirely dismissive.
“Couple of billionaires having a hissy little catfight,” King wrote. “Who gives a shit? The world actually has problems.”
It is mere speculation that, based on this information, perhaps another rich individual in power seemingly does not want the entirety of the files released. It is mere speculation for us to assume why they would not want the files released.
What is not speculation, however, is that King frequently depicts children being sexually assaulted or abused in his novels.
Explicit and implicit passages of sexual abuse towards children appear throughout Gerald’s Game, IT, The Shining, The Stand, The Green Mile and Rose Madder. To go through all 67 of King’s novels would be a tedious task that would likely uncover even more titles that depict blatant child exploitation.
While horror novels are often intended to tell of morbid, hellish fates, I argue that a line should be drawn.
Become creative.
Paint alphabetic imagery of graphic, haunting storylines that leave your readers feeling chilled to the bone. Great horror should create award-winning narratives that leave the sexualization of children out of it.
Any argument against these ethics is perpetuating the same society that allowed Epstein Island to exist uninvestigated in the first place. While Stephen King’s name is not in the recently released, heavily redacted files, I would not be surprised if his name is eventually linked with Epstein.
In honor of the upcoming National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I encourage you to think more deeply about the literature you read and the authors you support. Research and find authors whose values align with your own.
Lastly, if you know a child who may need help or support, contact the Child Advocacy Center of Lafourche. If you were a child who needed help but did not receive it and are now an adult, please consider contacting Nicholls Counseling Center for support.
DOCUMENTED REFERENCES
Exploring Documented Records
Public interest in the Epstein case continues not only because of court proceedings and testimonies, but also due to the growing body of documented records that help researchers and readers understand the broader context. Beyond legal files and media reports, some independent projects have organized publicly available data connected to Epstein’s activities.
One example is a structured archive of documented Amazon order records, where purchases are cataloged with dates and product details. While individual items do not prove wrongdoing on their own, examining documented information alongside established facts helps paint a clearer picture of the environment and circumstances surrounding the case.
Browse the structured archive of documented order records
For readers looking to review primary-source style data rather than interpretations, exploring compiled records can provide additional context to the broader discussion.
