A woman who has accused Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner of sexual assault is pushing back against suggestions that she came forward for political reasons, stating in a national television interview that she believes Platner raped her. Jenny Racicot told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday that she decided to speak out because she felt that “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 Tapper pressed her on whether she believed Platner had raped her, Racicot responded, “By definition? Yes, absolutely.”
Racicot’s detailed allegations were first reported by Politico on Monday, based on three interviews in which she described an incident in 2021. She told the outlet that Platner forced her to have sex against her will, saying he was “almost blackout drunk” at the time. “I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” Racicot told Politico. “I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, ‘This is no longer my choice.’” In her CNN interview, she added that during the encounter, Platner had moments where he would apologize before resuming his actions.
Racicot acknowledged that she agrees with Platner on many political issues, calling the decision to come forward a “huge moral conflict.” She said, “I really agree with his politics. I think we need somebody with those political stances and who are willing to do the work. I see his political videos. They get me fired up as well. I understand why people want someone like him in office, and I felt like me coming forward would essentially, potentially take that away.” Despite the severity of her allegations, Racicot said she would not necessarily tell people not to vote for Platner.
Platner has vehemently denied the allegations. In a video released by his campaign after the Politico report, he described the accusations as “troubling, serious and false.” He said, “Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false.” Platner also stated that in light of the “inaccuracy of the reporting,” his team was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” The candidate did not explicitly announce whether he would remain in the race.
The allegations have prompted a swift backlash from within the Democratic Party. Several Democratic figures have rescinded their endorsements of Platner, and the Maine Democratic Party issued a statement urging him to withdraw from the Senate race. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York also called on Platner to “immediately withdraw,” saying in a joint statement, “The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable.” The race is considered critical to the Democratic Party’s hopes of retaining control of the Senate.
This is not the first controversy to dog Platner’s campaign. In June, the New York Times published an article detailing allegations from women who had dated him, including Racicot. At that time, Racicot spoke to the Times about her relationship with Platner but did not disclose the full details of the 2021 incident. She told the Times that Platner had arrived at her house drunk in 2021 after she had asked him not to come over, describing his behavior as “reckless” and “unsettling.” Platner has also faced scrutiny over a tattoo on his chest depicting a Nazi symbol known as a “Totenkopf,” which he has defended as a historical symbol rather than an endorsement of Nazi ideology.
The political fallout from the allegations continues to unfold, with Platner’s campaign facing an uncertain future. The Maine Senate race is seen as a key battleground, and the controversy threatens to divide the state’s Democratic base. Platner has not indicated whether he will comply with calls to step aside, and his campaign has not responded to requests for further comment.
