U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner faces serious allegations potentially jeopardizing his campaign. Accusations of sexual misconduct emerged shortly after a rape accusation, amid looming campaign deadlines.
New Allegations from Former Partner
According to The Washington Post, Platner’s ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield accused him of removing condoms without consent. She described his actions as deceptive and ignoring her requests for protection.
“He would pull condoms off,” she told The Washington Post. “He would do it in a sneaky way. He wouldn’t tell me.”
Fifield had earlier accused Platner of physical aggression during their relationship. These claims were mostly dismissed by Platner’s supporters. They labeled Fifield a conservative operative due to her past association with The Heritage Foundation.
Fifield stressed the risks involved as she was not using birth control. She made these allegations in a previous off-the-record interview with the publication.
Campaign’s Response and Ongoing Scandal
The allegations were dismissed by the Platner campaign as “categorically false and politically motivated.” Platner aims to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins and stated his campaign needed time to assess next steps as crucial deadlines near.
Rape Accusation by Jenny Racicot
Another accuser, Jenny Racicot, claimed Platner forced himself on her when intoxicated. She recounted the incident occurring in 2021 while their relationship was intermittent, stating that Platner ignored her pleas to stop.
“I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful,” Racicot told Politico.
Platner denied these allegations in a public video following the Politico report’s release.
Political Support Withdrawn
As the allegations surfaced, several of Platner’s prominent supporters withdrew their endorsements. Influential figures like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders urged Platner to step down, citing a need for values-aligned leadership.
“Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values. There can be no tolerance for sexual assault,” Warren commented.
Sanders shared a similar sentiment, advising Platner to consider exiting the race.