A woman who dated Maine US Senate candidate Graham Platner has accused him of sexual assault, claiming he entered her home uninvited while heavily intoxicated and forced himself on her – an allegation Platner flatly denied minutes after the story broke.
The woman, 41-year-old Jenny Racicot, told Politico in three interviews over the past two weeks that Platner, who she dated in 2021, grabbed her pelvis and was “being really forceful” during the encounter at her home. Racicot said he repeatedly ignored her objections.
“Maine US Senate candidate Graham Platner denies sexual assault allegation from Jenny Racicot, who says he forced himself on her.”
Platner, a Democrat running for the Senate seat, released a video message on Monday posted to X denying the claim. He had earlier cancelled a number of planned campaign appearances. Calling the accusations “troubling, serious, and false,” he said: “I flatly deny these allegations.”
The fresh allegation adds to Platner’s already troubled campaign. The candidate previously faced accusations of concerning behaviour that left ex-girlfriends feeling ‘uneasy’, according to reports.
In 2021, Racicot and Platner were in a relationship. She told Politico that one night he arrived at her home uninvited, heavily drunk, and repeatedly forced himself on her despite her protests. The assault, she said, involved him grabbing her pelvis and being forceful.
Platner’s denial came swiftly after Politico published Racicot’s account. In his video, he did not address the specific details but insisted the allegations were false. He thanked supporters and said he would continue his campaign.
The allegation threatens to upend Platner’s Senate bid in a state where similar accusations have previously derailed candidates. Politico also spoke with a man Racicot dated, though no further details have emerged.
