Key facts
- Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner denied allegations of rape fantasies and violent episodes at a rally.
- Platner called the accusations 'politically motivated' and 'false.'
- Rep. Ro Khanna stated Platner should apologize for past toxic relationships but has shown accountability.
- Sen. Susan Collins described the latest allegations against Platner as 'troubling.'
- Platner previously apologized for controversial Reddit posts and explained a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, facing multiple controversies including inflammatory online comments, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, and new allegations from ex-girlfriends about rape fantasies and violent episodes, held a rally in Maine. Platner thanked supporters, calling the accusations 'politically motivated' and 'false.' He previously apologized for Reddit posts and explained the tattoo, stating he was in a dark period after military service. Rep. Ro Khanna, a supporter, organized the rally and stated that while Platner's past behavior was inexcusable, he has shown accountability and growth. Khanna emphasized opposition to misogyny. Sen. Susan Collins, Platner's Republican opponent, described the latest allegations as 'troubling' and stated Platner has questions to answer. An outside group aligned with Collins has been running ads highlighting Platner's controversies. Former Democratic candidate Gov. Janet Mills, who had dropped out of the race, is reportedly receiving calls to re-enter amid Platner's issues.