Graham Platner Rejects New Abuse Allegations From Lyndsey Fifield And Other Women

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner rejected new allegations of abusive behavior after a New York Times report described interviews with Lyndsey Fifield and other women accusing him of demeaning conduct and physical intimidation.

“Three women who dated Democratic U”

Bangor Daily News

The Guardian reported that Platner responded by insisting the allegations are “politically motivated,” while the New York Times said its account was based on interviews with “more than two dozen people, including Lyndsey Fifield.”

Bangor Daily News

Fifield, described as “a Virginia conservative,” told the Times that Platner referred to a Nazi-associated tattoo as “my Totenkopf,” and she alleged he grabbed her by the shoulders and once yanked her from a taxi by her wrist.

The Guardian also said Fifield recalled that during an argument Platner “twisted her arm behind her back, shoved her into a bedroom and held the door closed” so she could not get out, while Platner “strongly disputes” the claims of physical intimidation or altercations.

In a statement carried by CNN, Platner said, “Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated,” as the network described allegations that included volatile, “toxic” relationships and, in one account, physical intimidation.

CNN also reported that Fifield recalled Platner referring to his tattoo “my Totenkopf,” and that Platner had previously said he had not understood the symbol’s significance when he got the tattoo while serving in the Marine Corps.

CNN

The New York Times framing of the allegations was also echoed by The Hill, which said Fifield told the paper, “He said this a lot: ‘If anybody ever broke in here, I would rape them,’” while Platner’s campaign told the outlet it “strongly disputes” any claims of physical intimidation or altercations.

The Hill further described Jenny Racicot’s account, quoting her characterization of the behavior as “reckless” and “unsettling” after a 2021 incident in which he arrived at her house drunk despite her request that he not do so.

The Hill said the new report adds controversial claims ahead of the June 9 primary, where Platner is running to oust incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.

“Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing allegations of unsettling and in least one case physically threatening behavior toward women he dated, according to a report published Thursday by The New York Times”

CNN

CNN reported that Democrats rallied around Platner after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign in April, leaving him as the party’s expected nominee in a “closely watched Senate” contest.

In the same coverage, CNN said Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, disclosed to campaign officials that he had been sexting multiple women during internal vetting discussions, and CNN noted it had not independently confirmed the existence of the messages.

The Guardian reported that most Democrats remained silent, but John Fetterman said, “No surprise. The interesting part will be how those who endorsed him will respond to this,” as the campaign continued without indicating he would withdraw from the Democratic primary.