South Carolina’s political landscape was shaken on Oct. 22 when the nonprofit media project “Closetocracy” premiered a documentary alleging that the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham engaged in paid sexual encounters with three men. According to the film, one of the men was a male escort who claims he was 17 years old during the encounter, and Graham allegedly recorded portions of the meetings.
Allegations detailed in the film
The documentary features the three men describing, in graphic detail, where and when they met Graham, the amounts they were paid, and the specific sexual acts performed. One participant likened Graham’s testicles to “a pine cone that hadn’t blossomed yet.” The men also say Graham alternated between dominant and submissive roles during the encounters.
These accusations are not the first rumors about Graham’s private life. Throughout his decades in public service, speculation about his sexuality circulated, which Graham repeatedly denied. In a 2010 interview with The New York Times Magazine, he said, “I ain’t gay. Sorry.”
Additional claims from a former sex worker
In August, shortly after Graham’s death, Taylor Snider – a former sex worker who identifies as a transgender woman – gave an interview claiming Graham was one of her clients. Snider presented text messages she says were exchanged with Graham and recounted an alleged 2020 phone call in which an unidentified person threatened her to keep her silent about the encounter.
Snider also described a sexual act she termed “topping Graham down,” meaning she performed penetrative anal sex on him. She expressed remorse for the vulgar language but stood by her account.
Political context and Trump’s remarks
The documentary’s release comes just twelve days before Darline Graham Nordone, Graham’s sister‑successor, faces South Carolina voters in a competitive Senate race. President Donald Trump, who remains in office, has repeatedly attacked Graham’s 2026 Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, using the slur “Tranny Annie” while defending Graham’s legacy at a rally in Pendleton, S.C.
President Trump’s comments reflect his broader strategy of emphasizing traditional family values and opposing what he calls “transgender activism.” The administration has not issued an official response to the documentary’s claims.
Public reaction and media coverage
FITSNews, the outlet that originally published the story, noted its long‑standing criticism of Graham’s foreign‑policy positions, fiscal decisions, and immigration stance, but said it had not previously focused on his alleged sexual behavior. The outlet’s editor, Will Folks, emphasized that the new documentary may shift public attention toward Graham’s personal life at a crucial moment for his sister’s campaign.
Critics of the documentary argue that the allegations rely heavily on unverified testimony and lack corroborating evidence. Supporters contend that the film provides a rare glimpse into the private conduct of a powerful public figure.
What’s next?
As the Senate race approaches, Darline Graham Nordone’s campaign has not publicly addressed the documentary. Voters in South Carolina will have to weigh the allegations against Graham’s legislative record and the broader political dynamics of the 2026 election.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
