Hasan Piker is backing away from Graham Platner.
The left-wing Twitch streamer, one of the most influential online voices in progressive politics, reversed course after Politico published a new sexual assault allegation against the Maine Democratic Senate candidate. Piker had previously defended Platner against earlier reports about his conduct, but said Monday’s allegation changed his view.
Reading the Politico story on his livestream, Piker called the claim “super credible and indefensible.”
New Allegation Rocks Campaign
The allegation came from Jenny Racicot, who told Politico that Platner entered her home while intoxicated in 2021 and forced her to have sex after she repeatedly told him to stop. Racicot said she and Platner had been in an on-and-off relationship before she ended contact following the alleged incident.
Platner has denied the accusation.
“Any accusation of nonconsensual behavior is categorically false,” he said in a video statement Monday.
He also acknowledged the political damage, saying his campaign was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.”
Progressive Coalition Fractures
Piker’s reversal is part of a broader collapse in support around Platner.
According to the Associated Press, Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and End Citizens United were among the Democrats and progressive organizations that pulled their endorsements Monday. Platner’s campaign also canceled multiple public events as the candidate considered his next move.
The reversal is especially notable because Piker had defended Platner during an earlier wave of damaging stories involving former girlfriends, social media posts and other controversies. This time, he said the allegation was different.
The fallout leaves Maine Democrats facing a rapidly narrowing window. If Platner withdraws, state law gives the party only limited time to replace him in what had been viewed as one of Democrats’ top pickup opportunities against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
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