Renowned author Stephen King has announced his departure from the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. King cited the platform’s “toxic” atmosphere as the primary reason for his exit. This decision comes amid circulating rumors that Elon Musk, owner of X, had banned King from the platform.

King, known for his active presence on Twitter since 2013, expressed dissatisfaction with the platform’s environment under Musk’s ownership. He stated, “The atmosphere has just become too toxic.”

King has been vocal about his criticisms of Musk and former President Donald Trump, often using the platform to share his views.

Following King’s announcement, rumors surfaced suggesting that Musk had banned him from X. These claims were fueled by a satirical article from July 2024, which some users mistook for factual reporting. King addressed these rumors, stating, “There’s also a rumor going around that Muskie kicked me off Twitter. Yet here I am.”

Elon Musk has not publicly commented on King’s departure or the associated rumors. The platform has faced criticism for its content moderation policies and the proliferation of misinformation since Musk’s acquisition.

King’s exit adds to a series of departures from X, including notable figures like Sunny Hostin of “The View” and the British newspaper The Guardian, both citing concerns over the platform’s environment.

These departures raise questions about the platform’s future and its ability to retain influential users.

Stephen King’s departure from X highlights ongoing concerns about the platform’s atmosphere and content moderation under Elon Musk’s leadership. As more users express dissatisfaction, the platform faces challenges in maintaining its user base and reputation.