A former girlfriend of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has publicly described allegations of physical abuse during their relationship, saying she decided to speak out after another woman accused the Democratic candidate of rape—an allegation Platner has denied.
Lyndsey Fifield told CNN that Platner repeatedly grabbed her during their relationship, at times leaving bruises, and on one occasion allegedly blocked her inside a bedroom during an argument while they were dating in 2013 and 2014.
Her interview came a day after Jenny Racicot accused Platner of entering her home without permission and raping her while he was heavily intoxicated. Platner has categorically denied the allegation.
The accusations prompted several Democratic officials, including Bernie Sanders, to call on Platner to withdraw from the Senate race.
Fifield said she was encouraged by Racicot’s decision to come forward and relieved to see public figures urging Platner to end his campaign. However, she said she was disappointed that her own allegations, first reported by The New York Times last month, did not generate a similar response.
“As much as I’m grateful and I hope this was enough, it also hurts that my accusations weren’t enough,” Fifield told CNN.
In a statement, Platner’s campaign described Fifield’s allegations as “categorically false” and claimed they came from someone with “a well-documented political agenda.”
Speaking to The New York Times last month, Platner acknowledged struggling with alcohol during that period of his life.
“I too often self-medicated with alcohol and was far from a perfect boyfriend,” he said. “I take responsibility for that and wish I had been better. Any characterization beyond that is false and, I believe, politically motivated.”
Fifield alleged that Platner regularly grabbed her forcefully during arguments and once pushed her into a bedroom before holding the door shut to prevent her from leaving.
She also claimed that on multiple occasions during consensual sex, Platner removed a condom without her knowledge or consent. According to Fifield, he would offer excuses or avoid the subject when confronted. The allegation was first reported by The Washington Post.
Platner’s campaign has denied that allegation, calling it false and politically motivated.
Emily Zanotti, a friend of Fifield’s, told CNN that Fifield had spoken years earlier about trying to avoid pregnancy while dating Platner and had expressed concerns that he removed condoms during sex.
Fifield described Platner as having significant alcohol problems during their relationship and said his behaviour while intoxicated often frightened her. She clarified that although she considered him physically aggressive, he never punched or slapped her.
Platner has previously denied allegations of physical intimidation and has “vigorously” denied Racicot’s rape allegation. In a video posted on social media, he said that “any accusation of non-consensual behaviour is categorically false,” while adding that he would reflect on the best path forward for his Senate campaign.
Fifield, who has previously worked on Republican political campaigns and for conservative organisations, rejected suggestions that her allegations were politically motivated.
She said the public scrutiny and online criticism following publication of her allegations had taken a significant emotional toll.
“I wanted to tell the truth because watching him lie was so difficult,” she said. “I don’t care about the Maine Senate race—that’s not on my radar.”
Fifield said she believes her experience raises concerns about Platner holding public office.
“You can’t be that way in private and not have it translate into how you would govern,” she said. “It terrifies me to think of him having political power.”
