Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing new allegations of sexual assault after Jenny Racicot accused him of forcing her to have sex in 2021. Racicot spoke with CNN's Jake Tapper on Monday, rejecting claims that her decision to come forward was politically motivated.

Racicot said she came forward because "there are a lot of men in this world relying on the silence of women to be where they are, and I don't want to contribute to that." When pressed about potential backlash from Platner supporters who suggested political motives, she said she "couldn't disagree more" and admitted wrestling with a "huge moral conflict" since she agrees with Platner's politics.

She expressed support for Platner's political stances, stating, "I really agree with his politics. I think we need somebody with those political stances and who are willing to do the work." Despite her allegations, Racicot said she would not necessarily advise people against voting for him.

Tapper noted that Racicot had not initially used the word "rape" to describe her experience, but when asked if she believed Platner had raped her, she responded, "By definition? Yes, absolutely."

Racicot also said that in 2021, Platner arrived at her house drunk after she had asked him not to come over.

These allegations come as Platner's campaign faces a critical deadline in a crucial Senate race.

Sources