PLATNER DENIES RAPE CLAIM AMID CALLS TO DROP OUT

Graham Platner is facing new calls to drop out the race for Maine’s senate seat after accusations from a woman that Platner entered her home without permission and raped her while he was heavily intoxicated nearly five years ago. In an interview with CNN, Jenny Racicot, 41, said the attack occurred in the Maine town where she lived in 2021 when Platner showed up drunk at her house and then forcibly had sex with her despite her repeated demands that he stop. Platner denies the accusation and said in a video posted on X, “regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” The Maine Democratic Senate nominee has been embroiled in several controversies since the start of his campaign, including over his chest tattoo with Nazi associations as well as allegations from multiple women of unsettling behavior. Correspondent Leigh Waldman has the latest, including new calls for Platner to step aside, in a 3:30pET PKG with FREE custom tags.