(MENAFN) Stephen King’s iconic horror novel It has been pulled from shelves and online platforms in Russia, according to local media reports on Thursday. The decision comes as retailers and publishers navigate strict laws regulating content related to sexuality and LGBT themes.

Originally published in 1986, It remains one of King’s most famous works, but it includes controversial material — including a scene often described as involving minors and characters with non-traditional sexual orientations. Such content has come under greater scrutiny in Russia following laws passed in 2022 banning materials that “promote” same-sex relationships and later labeling the “international LGBT movement” as extremist.

There is no formal government blacklist of prohibited books, but major retailers have proactively removed titles to avoid violations. In 2024, more than 250 books were taken off shelves over alleged noncompliance, including several by King.

Publisher AST told Vedomosti that King’s novels were temporarily withdrawn “to update product marking issues,” referring to Russia’s requirements for age and content warnings. Although It has long carried a 16+ label, works containing LGBT-related or explicit sexual content must now be marked 18+.

Online marketplace Wildberries stated that it fully follows Russian law and does not permit sales of prohibited items.

King ended his cooperation with his Russian publisher in March 2022 after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. Since then, he has voiced strong support for Kiev and has accused Russian forces of committing atrocities against civilians.

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