Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Maine, has rejected allegations of abusive behaviour published in a New York Times article, calling them 'politically motivated'. The article, based on interviews with more than two dozen people, includes claims from a former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, a Republican operative, who accuses Platner of physical misconduct and offensive remarks.
Fifield alleges that Platner grabbed her by the shoulders, yanked her from a taxi, twisted her arm behind her back, and locked her in a bedroom. She also claims he described women as 'hatchet wounds' and said he would rape an intruder to show dominance. Platner strongly disputes any physical intimidation and denies knowing his tattoo was a Nazi symbol.
Platner told MS Now's Chris Hayes: 'There are some allegations in this piece that are simply not true. Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging I knew what my tattoo was, these are the statements of somebody politically motivated.' His campaign described Fifield as a 'lifelong GOP operative'.
The Times also cites two other women who dated Platner, one anonymously, who corroborate accounts of heavy drinking and unfaithfulness. However, three other former partners gave positive accounts, describing him as caring and charming. Platner, a combat veteran, has previously apologised for past social media posts.
