Two women who have publicly accused former Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner of serious misconduct have condemned a local activist group’s decision to feature him as keynote speaker at an upcoming Labor Day rally, calling the invitation a “slap in the face” to survivors.

Platner, who withdrew from the race against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in July after the allegations surfaced, is scheduled to deliver the featured address at the Hancock County Activists’ “Labor Day Rally for Labor” in Ellsworth, Maine. The appearance marks one of his first public events since he ended his campaign under a cloud of controversy.

In a joint statement released Thursday, Jenny Racicot and Lyndsey Fifield said they were shocked that Platner continues to receive a platform despite what they describe as his refusal to take accountability. “In the weeks since we spoke out, Graham Platner has had every opportunity to take accountability for the pain he has caused,” the women said. “Instead, he has continued to double down – discrediting us and telling blatant lies about his past. And now, he’s trying to sweep the truth under the rug and pretend things are back to normal.”

They added that while Platner’s response was disappointing, it was not surprising. What did surprise them, they said, is that organizers remain willing to give him a stage. “It’s a slap in the face – not just to us – but to survivors everywhere,” the statement continued. “Our message to Mainers: stand with survivors and refuse to platform abusers.”

Racicot has alleged that Platner Sєxually ᴀssaulted her at her Maine home in 2021. Fifield has alleged physical abuse during their relationship, including incidents in which she says he restrained and injured her. Platner has vehemently denied the accusations and has not been charged with any crime related to the claims.

The rally is listed on the Hancock County Democrats’ website, though a party source told the ᴀssociated Press that the event has no official affiliation with the Maine Democratic Party or the county Democratic committee. The notice describes the gathering as the start of a series of events leading up to the primaries and states that Platner will speak about the history of unions and the role of organized labor in communities and the country.

Marcia Myers, chair of the Hancock County Democratic Committee, said the group posted the information so residents could be aware of the event and decide for themselves whether to attend. “It’s certainly notable that Graham Platner is a person scheduled to speak,” Myers said. “We post this as information for people and they can decide whether to attend or not.”

Criticism has come from multiple directions. Cheyenne Hunt, executive director of the anti-misogyny nonprofit Reckoning Action, called on the organizers to rescind the invitation and urged Democrats to stand with survivors. “Continuing to give Graham Platner a bully pulpit is irresponsible, reckless, and anтιтhetical to the direction we should be headed as Democrats,” Hunt said. “If we want to be a party that supports survivors, we cannot also be a party that continues to platform abusers. Full stop.”

The Maine Republican Party also weighed in. Spokeswoman Kristina Parker said the decision shows the Democratic Party is “out of touch with Maine” and claimed voters were “disgusted” by Platner’s actions. “If Graham Platner is still a heroic leader for Maine Democrats, as this speaking event indicates, their party is out of touch with Maine,” Parker stated.

Platner’s abrupt exit from the Senate race led to a hastily organized special convention last month at which former state Senate President Troy Jackson was nominated to replace him on the ballot. Since withdrawing, Platner has largely kept a low profile. He did not respond to requests for comment from the ᴀssociated Press regarding the rally invitation or the women’s statement.

The controversy places local organizers in a difficult position: balancing free speech and political engagement against the concerns of women who say they were harmed and the broader debate over accountability in public life. As the Labor Day event approaches, the decision to feature Platner has already drawn sharp reactions from survivors’ advocates, party officials, and political opponents, ensuring that the former candidate’s return to the public stage will not go unnoticed.

Source: New York Post