'Stealthing' Allegation Against Senate Candidate Platner: Ex-Girlfriend Says He Removed Condom Without Permission

Serious new allegations have come to light regarding Graham Platner, who is running as the Democratic candidate from the state of Maine in the United States Senate elections. Lyndsey Fifield, Platner's ex-girlfriend whom he dated in Washington, D.C. between 2013 and 2015, claimed that the candidate removed his condom during sexual intercourse without her permission. Fifield, who previously stated that she suffered physical violence from Platner, expressed that they experienced this situation at least six times and that it was carried out secretly by the candidate each time. Fifield emphasized that because she did not use birth control, she repeatedly explained to Plattner that condom use was of vital importance. The act in question constitutes a crime known internationally as "stealthing" and is considered a form of sexual assault in many countries.

Spokespersons for Platner's election campaign firmly rejected Fifield's allegations, arguing that the claims were "completely false and politically motivated." In a statement released by the campaign, it was noted that Fifield had previously supported Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh when he faced sexual assault allegations. However, this defense could not prevent the growing crisis around the candidate, and within the week, a second woman made similar allegations. Another woman named Jenny Racicot stated that Platner sexually assaulted her at the end of 2021, causing his political support to rapidly erode. Following the events, many prominent figures, particularly Senator Bernie Sanders, called for Platner to withdraw from the race.

Platner, who is also known as a Marine veteran and an oyster farmer, stated that he also rejected Racicot's allegations. However, facing mounting pressure, the candidate stated in an announcement on Monday that he was aware of the political reality the reporting would "impose" on his campaign and that he was taking time "to reflect on the best path forward." During this process, it was learned that his ex-girlfriend Fifield had initially provided "off the record" information regarding the matter to The Washington Post and The New York Times newspapers, but refrained from making a public statement because she was ashamed of her private life being shared so openly. Following Racicot's public allegation, Fifield decided to share her own experience to show that she was not alone and stated that she felt the situation was finally being acknowledged.

This act, referred to as "stealthing," means removing the condom during sexual intercourse without the partner's knowledge and consent. This practice has been classified as a form of sexual assault and banned in parts of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the states of Maine, California, and Washington have specific legal regulations regarding the act of non-consensual condom removal. Senior Democratic Party Representative Norma Torres introduced a federal bill in April 2025 that would allow victims to file lawsuits against perpetrators. Although the said bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, no hearing has been held yet.

Platner's former partner, Fifield, also stated that she faced some skepticism and criticism regarding her allegations because she had worked in conservative organizations and Republican politics. However, her close friend Emily Zanotti supported the claims by confirming that Fifield had told her about these events immediately after their relationship ended. Zanotti emphasized that Fifield was someone who paid utmost attention to safe sex and was therefore extremely angry about the situation that occurred. The campaign's collapsing support and the criticisms from high-profile conservative figures also raised questions about why the Democratic Party leadership did not act earlier. The shocking impact of the events also gained a political debate dimension, as prominent Democrats like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Ruben Gallego only called for his withdrawal after Racicot's allegations.