A woman has come forward alleging Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, raped her in 2021. Platner denies the allegations.

Allegation Details

The woman, Jenny Racicot, 41, said the alleged assault occurred in November or December 2021, when she and Platner were in a casual dating relationship. Racicot claims Platner entered her home without permission while heavily intoxicated and forcibly had sex with her despite her repeated demands that he stop.

Racicot said she did not report the incident to authorities at the time and broke off contact with Platner soon after. She said she is a registered Democratic voter who supports many of Platner’s views, but felt compelled to come forward with her story.

Platner’s Response

Platner’s campaign denied the allegations, stating that they are ‘very serious’ and that Platner ‘vigorously denies them.’ The campaign also suggested that the allegations may be politically motivated, citing the involvement of Cheyenne Hunt, a Democratic social media influencer and lawyer who has helped surface allegations of sexual assault against lawmakers and candidates.

Racicot said she connected with Hunt after speaking to the New York Times about the incident in general terms, and that Hunt provided a support network for sexual assault survivors that made her comfortable sharing her story publicly.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.