Author Stephen King deleted a social media post that appeared to express support for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, who is facing a rape allegation. King later clarified that he was not defending Platner and that if the allegations are true, Platner should withdraw from the race.
Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has been accused of rape by a Maine resident named Jenny Racicot. Racicot told Politico that Platner entered her home uninvited in 2021 and forced her to have sex despite her protests. She described Platner as having been heavily intoxicated during the alleged incident. Platner has denied the allegations.
The allegations have prompted calls for Platner to suspend his campaign from several prominent Democratic figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Initially, King posted on social media, "Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn’t, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin’ on." This post drew criticism from some social media users who interpreted it as downplaying the seriousness of the rape allegation. King subsequently deleted the post.
He later posted, "Tell you what--if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, 'Let him without sin cast the first stone.'" This comment also faced backlash.
Following the criticism, King clarified his stance, stating, "Not defending Grah [sic] Platner. If he committed rape, he should bow out. Just making a comparison."
The controversy comes as Democrats aim to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. If Platner were to suspend his campaign before a specified deadline, the Maine Democratic Party would have the opportunity to nominate a replacement candidate for the general election ballot.
Platner's campaign has stated that it will take "time to reflect on the best path forward" but has not indicated whether he will step down from the race.