Graham Platner denies an ex-girlfriend's report that he once twisted her arm, held her in a room
Source: AP
By PATRICK WHITTLE
Updated 7:52 PM CDT, June 4, 2026
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) An ex-girlfriend alleges that U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner repeatedly grabbed her hard enough to leave marks, pulled her from a cab by the wrist, and, in one incident, twisted her arm behind her back and held her in a room when they dated more than a decade ago, according to a new report.
Lyndsey Fifield told The New York Times that Platner, a Democrat, never hit or punched her, but the incidents left her shaken and afraid. Fifield, a conservative activist, told the Times she dated Platner for about two years, starting in 2013 when he was a student at George Washington University following his military service.
Her claims were published as part of a Times report on Platners relationships with previous girlfriends, some of whom viewed him positively and others who described him as sometimes insulting, volatile or unfaithful.
Another woman, Jenny Racicot, who said she dated Platner on and off between 2019 and 2021, also told The Times about behavior that upset her. She said Platner once came to her house drunk in 2021 after she asked him not to come over. Racicot, a Maine Democrat, said his behavior was reckless and unsettling.

Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, greets supporters after speaking at an event hosted by Sen. Bernie Sanders in Orono, Maine, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/senate-election-graham-platner-susan-collins-a07b35d03ee1acc419471c048572b065
AZLD4Candidate
(7,035 posts)I expect a lot of people here to DEMAND he drop out and will now villify him.
Polybius
(22,196 posts)The primary isn't until June 9th.
OneBlueDotS-Carolina
(1,492 posts)Bengus81
(10,442 posts)Pukes running scared about that Senate seat.
AZLD4Candidate
(7,035 posts)Multichromatic
(223 posts)mopinko
(74,108 posts)as long as its about a dem.
SamuelAdams
(253 posts)Is Platner part of the hit piece when he admits to bad behavior? You either care about racism, sexism, homophobia, mistreating women or you don't. We mocked the MAGA cult for defending Trump no matter what and then some act just like them. I guess Platner could shoot someone and not lose a single supporter.
intheflow
(30,278 posts)Trump is a serial liar, rapist, billionaire who has bankrupted all is businesses, never served his country, never pays his bills, never takes responsibility for his actions, and has a cult-like following him.
Platner is a recovering alcoholic who has PTSD from serving his country during war, takes responsibility for his past behaviors, is far from being a billionaire, hasn't raped or hit any partner as far as we know, and definitely isn't leading a cult.
Apples and oranges.
mainer
(12,623 posts)they just said he was troubled.
Only the GOP activist claimed physical abuse.
And 3 women had only good things to say, and are still his friends.
Blasphemer
(3,629 posts)BaronChocula
(4,863 posts)A More Perfect Union Speech (Rev. Jeremiah Wright repudiation) time?
Mossfern
(4,827 posts)My husband, before we were married, did something similar.
I had drunk too much and was having a pretty intense hissy-fit, standing on the kitchen table dashing dinner plates to the floor.
He took me by the seat of my pants - tossed me onto the bed in the bedroom and closed the door.
It's something we laugh about now, more than 50 years later.
I guess if he were running for office, I could publicize the incident and hold it against his eligibility?
cliffside
(1,808 posts)"Mr. Platner could be rough with her, Ms. Fifield said, particularly when they were drinking, leaving her shaken and sometimes afraid. In the interviews, Ms. Fifield grappled with how to process her experiences. She was quick to note that he never hit me, he never punched me.
iemanja
(57,793 posts)Some men only beat their partners when they are drunk. So what? It's still assault.
cliffside
(1,808 posts)Is there another woman who accused him of beating her?
Did you read the full article? It sounds as if they were both going through a tough time.
"Lyndsey Fifield said she dated Mr. Platner from roughly 2013 to 2015, when they were both in their late 20s in Washington.Credit...via @lyndseyfifield
She said she recognized that Mr. Platner was struggling with the aftermath of his military service and thought she could help him. Ms. Fifield, who was navigating family challenges at the time, recalls that period as emotionally rocky for her, too..."
And to answer your question, No it is Never ok to beat a woman, sober or drunk.
iemanja
(57,793 posts)Full stop. Your excuses don't interest me. Thanks to the monumental fuck up with this nomination, Colins will likely be reelected.
cliffside
(1,808 posts)she said she was never injured and in the article there was mention of them both drinking too much.
As a woman in my early 70's I will always allow more deference to women, been there and have also been a victim in the work environment back in the day, but I also know women are not always truthful ... this was just one woman, and you have slanted what she she said in the published article.
I'm not looking to make excuses for anyone, regardless of sex. Im also not willing to take her word vs his at face value. In the NYT article, which was the focus of this post, they could not corroborate any accusations she made.
If you look at her profile on independentwomen, one can book her as a speaker, like raw milk, against LGBTQ, etc, etc. and her backing of Kavanaugh for his nomination, Collins voting for him, his vote to destroy Roe vs Wade.
I'll give some leniency to someone who served our country in wartime, and has tried to turn his life around.
There are so many vets that have committed suicide or living on the streets because of the horrors they have seen or possibly did during war. I'll give those who are trying to have a better life for themselves some kudos.
It will be a total fuck up if Collins wins and if Dems do not control the Senate and the asshole is allowed to nominate younger people to the Supreme Court.
iemanja
(57,793 posts)That is blatantly false. I already said your excuses dont interest me. That hasnt changed.
iemanja
(57,793 posts)Because none of this is good. It only makes it easier for Collins to be reelected.
LisaL
(47,790 posts)It is too late for anyone else to enter, considering primary is next week.