Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is embroiled in a deepening crisis following sexual assault allegations made by a former girlfriend. Jenny Racicot told Politico that in 2021, Platner drunkenly entered her home and forced her to have sex against her will. Platner has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious and false," and stating, "Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false."

The controversy adds to existing issues surrounding Platner, including a Nazi tattoo and previous physical abuse allegations. In response to the allegations, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) posted on X that he had spoken with Platner and "recommended that he step aside."

Amid the fallout, far-left political commentator and "The Young Turks" CEO Cenk Uygur accused the mainstream media of "politically assassinating" Platner in an X post. Uygur made the statement one day after Politico published Racicot's allegations. He expressed a desire for a candidate "even more against corporate pacs, more against Israel, more against the establishment, more against misconduct, more against the status quo."

Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams reported on the escalating situation, noting the loss of key endorsements for Platner. Contributor Jason Chaffetz also commented on the political ramifications following the allegations.

Platner's campaign is reportedly "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward."

Sources

  • Fox News Latest
  • Politico (as referenced by Fox News)
  • Posts on X by Bernie Sanders and Cenk Uygur