Senator John Fetterman has called on Senator Bernie Sanders to apologize for supporting Graham Platner, a candidate for the Maine Senate who has faced allegations of sexual assault and predatory behavior. Fetterman stated that Sanders should apologize to the victims, particularly the woman who accused Platner of rape.
"I would really call Bernie Sanders to apologize for pushing this kind of predator more than anyone," Fetterman told Fox News. He added that Sanders should "apologize to the victims, especially the woman that — she claimed that he raped her." Fetterman also questioned Sanders' judgment in supporting such individuals, suggesting he "should consider [sitting] a few out and stop pushing these kind of communists."
Platner's former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, recently claimed that he broke into her home and raped her in 2021. Another former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, has accused Platner of physical abuse. Sanders had previously acknowledged Platner's past struggles, telling CNN that "He went through some very bloody and horrible situations" and has "acknowledged that he came back with PTSD."
Sanders endorsed Platner in August of the previous year. As of Tuesday morning, Sanders had not rescinded his endorsement, unlike other Democrats such as Senator Elizabeth Warren. Sanders' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fetterman, by contrast, has been a vocal critic of Platner, referring to him by the Reddit username "P-Hustle" under which Platner allegedly made offensive posts. These posts reportedly included comments suggesting a Purple Heart veteran deserved to die, defenses of urinating on dead Taliban fighters, and assertions that sexual assault victims should "take some responsibility."
Platner has denied Racicot's allegations. He announced Monday that he was reconsidering his campaign's path forward after canceling several events. Fetterman described Platner's candidacy as a "dead man walking" and expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward with accusations, urging those who dismissed the claims to "look in the mirror."