Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing renewed scrutiny after multiple sexual assault allegations and criticism over a Totenkopf tattoo he received during military service. The hosts of The View agreed Tuesday that Platner should withdraw from the race, with Joy Behar stating he should have been removed earlier due to the tattoo controversy.
New allegations emerged in a Politico report, detailing claims from an ex-girlfriend who accused Platner of sexual assault while severely intoxicated. A separate New York Times report cited another woman who dated Platner, alleging he sexually assaulted her and that he was aware the tattoo was a Nazi symbol, as he referred to it as "my Totenkopf."
Platner has denied knowing the tattoo's significance, but the allegations have intensified calls for his withdrawal. In response, Platner posted a campaign video on X (formerly Twitter), stating he would take time to "reflect" on the campaign's "best path forward."
During The View's discussion, Sara Haines criticized Democrats for supporting Platner due to party loyalty, calling it a "disgusting time in politics." Sunny Hostin admitted she would have voted for him despite the allegations, arguing that Democrats prioritize policy over moral purity. Alyssa Farah Griffin countered that political leaders should uphold higher ethical standards.
The debate also touched on broader partisan dynamics, with Hostin contrasting Democratic loyalty with Republican discipline, citing the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of War despite sexual assault allegations against him. Griffin emphasized the need to condemn all credible accusations of abuse, regardless of party affiliation.