New York Times Report on Graham Platton’s Past Relationships Sparks Controversy Ahead of Maine Senate Primary

The New York Times published Thursday a story titled “Several Women Who Dated Graham Platton Recall ‘Unsettling’ Behavior.” Lyndsey Fifield, who dated Platton from 2013-2015, said he grabbed her shoulders, left marks, pulled her from a cab, and twisted her arm behind her back, though she said he never hit her. Jenny Racicot and Caroline Lemp called him “reckless” or a “gentle giant.” Times said it could not corroborate Fifield’s claims.

Newsweek

Platner, a 41-year-old Marine veteran and oyster farmer, is the Democratic challenger to Republican Sen. Susan Collins. After Gov. Janet Mills withdrew, he earned endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. His campaign faces scrutiny over a Nazi-style tattoo. Key figures: Platner; his ex-girlfriend Lyndsey Fifield, a digital-marketing director; fellow accusers Jenny Racicot and Caroline Lemp; a New York Times spokesperson; and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

Newsweek

June 5 2026 – Times story appears. June 5-6 – Fifield posts X threads questioning the paper’s editorial choices. June 5-7 – Platner appears on MS NOW, denying physical allegations and calling them motivated. June 9 – Democratic primary scheduled. Article cites three women; Fifield’s profile occupies 11 paragraphs and notes 40,000 X followers.

Graham Platner’s ex-girlfriend accuses New York Times of ‘set up,’ and alleges they ‘twisted’ her story into ‘a gift to the Platner campaign’

The New York Times spokesperson said the piece accurately presents each account as told to reporters. Platner’s campaign called Fifield a “lifelong GOP operative” and labeled the allegations motivated. Platner said he has not considered dropping out and maintains that any characterization beyond his admitted drinking and PTSD is false. Senator Ro Khanna called the behavior “wrong and toxic.”

Graham Platner’s ex-girlfriend accuses New York Times of ‘set up,’ and alleges they ‘twisted’ her story into ‘a gift to the Platner campaign’

Fifield accused the Times of “setting her up” and “deliberately twisting” her story to aid the campaign, questioning why other women’s accusations were omitted and why her work history dominated. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) called Platton a misogynist, racist and antisemite. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) expressed skepticism about the allegations.

Newsweek

The Times said it could not independently corroborate Fifield’s specific incidents, while Fifield says friends confirmed her accounts. The article provides no details on alleged sexual-assault accusations from other women, and the campaign has not released screenshots or additional evidence.

Graham Platner’s ex-girlfriend accuses New York Times of ‘set up,’ and alleges they ‘twisted’ her story into ‘a gift to the Platner campaign’

The June 9 Democratic primary will determine whether Platton appears on the ballot for the November Senate race.

Newsweek

• “I bucked all advice from my friends (and resisted my conservative bias) and decided to fully trust the Times journalists.” — Lyndsey Fifield

Newsweek

• “It dawned on me that this really was a set up all along.” — Lyndsey Fifield

The Hill

• “Our story accurately presents each of these accounts as told to our reporters and according to our standards.” — New York Times spokesperson

Newsweek

• “Anything alleging physicality, anything alleging that I knew what my tattoo was — these are the statements of someone who’s politically motivated,” — Graham Platner

The Hill