I'm not defending Stephen King, I just think he's one of those guys that is overly-admired by some and overly-criticized by others. I think he's written some really good stuff (admittedly The Stand was the only thing of his that I found to be truly great, the rest of it was entertaining).
He sells like hotcakes and literature snobs hate him because of that fact. It's easy to turn your nose up at Mr. #1. Same as George Lucas, same as Britney Spears or whoever.
I don't care about him personally. I don't really care about any artist personally. If they choose to step on children, molest puppies or piss on museums, that's their business. I'm speaking strictly of his work. Sure, he may be an ass but if I judged anyone's art on their personality I certainly wouldn't like the Beatles or Woody Allen nearly as much as I do.