Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is facing renewed scrutiny over a tattoo on his chest that has been described as a Nazi symbol. The controversy centers around a skull-and-crossbones tattoo, known as a Totenkopf, which was used by Nazi SS units.

Allegations and Denials

Platner’s former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, claims she informed friends about the tattoo’s Nazi link months before Platner says he became aware of its significance. Platner, however, maintains that he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning when he got the tattoo during his time in the Marine Corps. He stated that he only learned of its association with Nazi imagery last October.

Appearing on MSNBC, Platner was questioned about text messages from Fifield, which were reviewed by CNN and The New York Times, where she described the tattoo as a Nazi symbol. Platner expressed confusion over how Fifield knew of the tattoo’s associations before he did, stating, “I certainly didn’t know.”

Background and Response

Platner explained that he got the tattoo in 2007 while on leave in Croatia, during a night of drinking. He emphasized that he had the tattoo for 17 years without any concerns being raised, noting his security clearance with the State Department and reenlistment in the Army, where he was screened for gang and hate-related tattoos.

Fifield, a conservative activist, has accused Platner of knowing the tattoo’s significance years ago and of exhibiting troubling behavior during their relationship. Platner has denied these allegations, attributing them to political motivations and a difficult period in his life marked by undiagnosed PTSD and alcohol use.

Platner’s campaign continues to stand by his denials, and he has expressed regret over past behavior while emphasizing his personal growth and commitment to his political movement in Maine.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.