Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate from Maine, announced he would take time to “reflect” on the future of his campaign following a report in which a woman accused him of sexual assault—an allegation he firmly denies.
In a video shared on social media, Mr. Platner characterized the account as “false.”
“Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward,” he stated.
It remained unclear whether Mr. Platner plans to continue his challenge against Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican. Under Maine state law, the Democratic Party has until July 13 to name a replacement on the ballot should he withdraw. Control of the Senate is partly contested in Maine, making the race pivotal for both parties.
Jenny Racicot, who described a casual, intermittent relationship with Mr. Platner from 2019 to 2021, told The New York Times this spring about a 2021 incident in which she said he arrived at her residence intoxicated after she had asked him not to visit. She initially declined to provide further on-the-record details but described his conduct as “reckless” and “unsettling,” ending contact shortly thereafter.
In a new interview published Monday by Politico, Ms. Racicot expanded on her account, alleging that Mr. Platner entered her home uninvited, climbed atop her, and continued to grab her despite repeated objections. She said he followed her into the bedroom and engaged in non-consensual sex.
“I had been telling him these words, like: ‘No, don’t,’” she told Politico.
“And, the look on his face and realizing what was happening, I just realized that, like, I am in a situation where there’s no consent here,” she added.
Mr. Platner, in a direct-to-camera video, labeled the allegations “troubling, serious, and false.”
“Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false,” he said.
His statement followed the postponement of several campaign appearances.
Ms. Racicot did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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