Cenk Uygur, CEO and founder of "The Young Turks," has accused mainstream media outlets of "politically assassinating" Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, following new allegations of sexual assault. The accusation came a day after Politico published an account from Jenny Racicot, who dated Platner, alleging that he forced her to have sex with him in 2021.
Platner has denied the allegations, stating in a campaign video released Monday that they are "troubling, serious and false" and that any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is "categorically false." He added that his campaign is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward" due to the reported "inaccuracy of the reporting."
The allegations represent the latest in a series of controversies for Platner's campaign. Previously, he faced scrutiny over a Nazi tattoo and allegations of physical abuse from former partners. Despite Platner's denial, the most recent accusations have led to significant political backlash, with several prominent Democrats rescinding their endorsements. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), along with Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), have distanced themselves from Platner. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) recommended that Platner "step aside" after speaking with the candidate.
Uygur, a vocal supporter of progressive and anti-establishment candidates, has continued to defend Platner. He suggested that the media's focus on Platner is politically motivated and warned of potential "character assassinations" against those who supported the candidate. He also claimed that the Democratic Party and media are targeting Platner due to his opposition to U.S. support for Israel and corporate political action committees.
"If he drops out and Democratic Party tries to give us two candidates who are both for Israel and corporate pacs, they'll face a revolt like they've never seen," Uygur posted on X. He further stated his desire for a candidate who is "even more against corporate pacs, more against Israel, more against the establishment, more against corruption, more against the status quo."
Uygur has previously asserted that Platner's critics "work for Israel" and that Democrats attacking Platner were "ordered to do so by their handlers." These comments followed reporting by The New York Times that detailed allegations from Racicot and other women who previously dated Platner. While the Times also included positive accounts, the allegations became a central focus of the reporting. One former partner, Lyndsey Fifield, told The Times that Platner referred to a Nazi "Totenkopf" tattoo on his chest as "my Totenkopf" and taught her the word for the symbol, contradicting Platner's claim that he did not know its origin until it became a campaign issue.
Platner, who positioned himself as an anti-establishment progressive, is running against corporate PACs and U.S. support for Israel. His campaign has not yet announced a decision on whether he will withdraw from the race.