Graham Platner denies damning new report alleging abuse as 'simply not true'
Maine Senate Candidate Platner Denies Assault Allegations in First National Interview
Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, on Thursday forcefully denied accusations of physical and sexual misconduct, calling the claims “simply not true” and saying they are the product of political motivation. The interview on MSNBC’s “All In with Chris Hayes” marked his first national television appearance since a series of allegations surfaced earlier this week.
The New York Times reported that several former girlfriends described a pattern of behavior that included an alleged incident in which Platner pulled a woman from a taxi by the wrist during an altercation and forced her into a bedroom, holding the door shut. The women also recounted what they described as rape fantasies and heavy drinking.
When Hayes asked whether Platner had ever grabbed a former partner by the wrist or pushed her into a room, Platner replied, “No, it did not.” He added, “There are some allegations in this piece that I just want to be kind of unequivocal about are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of someone who’s politically motivated in this piece.”
While denying any violent conduct, Platner acknowledged a period of personal difficulty after returning from combat service. “There’s a lot about my struggling not being a good boyfriend, certainly self‑medicating with alcohol,” he said. “And I’ve been very up front since the beginning of this campaign that that was a pretty dark period of my life after I came back from my combat service. And that’s what that combat, that’s what that kind of life looks like.” He stressed that he takes responsibility for his behavior as a partner but insisted the serious accusations are “just not true.”
Platner’s campaign also pushed back on one of the women cited in the Times story, Lyndsey Fifield, describing her as a “lifelong GOP operative who’s dedicated her career to electing Republicans.” The campaign’s statement called her account politically motivated; Fifield has not publicly responded to that characterization.
The interview came amid a series of controversies that have plagued Platner since he launched his Senate bid. Earlier this year, a tattoo on his forearm that resembled a Nazi symbol was uncovered; Platner said he was unaware of its significance and has since covered it. Screenshots of his Reddit posts also surfaced, showing comments that included a statement that a wounded soldier “didn’t deserve to live.” Platner has not directly addressed those remarks in recent statements.
Additional reports last week revealed that Platner sent explicit messages to at least six women while he was married. His wife, Amy Gertner, told a campaign aide about the texts shortly after he entered the race, according to the Wall Street Journal. Gertner later posted a video defending her husband and his fitness for office.
The cascade of allegations has drawn national attention and reaction from other media. On “The View,” a co‑host said she would “hold my nose” and vote for Platner despite the scandals, underscoring the polarized response to his candidacy.
Platner, a former combat veteran, is facing the incumbent Republican senator in the upcoming election. Recent polls show the race tightening, and the controversies could influence voter sentiment in a state that historically values military service and personal integrity.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has not commented on the allegations, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee has used the reports to attack Platner’s character. Platner’s campaign insists he remains focused on issues important to Maine voters, such as health care, the economy, and veterans’ services.
As the campaign progresses, Platner’s denials and his admission of personal struggles are likely to remain a focal point for both supporters and critics.