Maine Senate Hopeful's Controversial Tattoo Defense Sparks Outrage
Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate challenging incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, has ignited fresh controversy by defending a chest tattoo that critics say resembles a Nazi symbol. Initially apologetic, Platner now describes the design as merely a "skull-and-crossbones" and "an eminently reasonable thing" in a recent interview.
From Apology to Aggressive Defense
Last year, Platner found himself embroiled in scandal when it was revealed he had a tattoo resembling the Nazi 'Totenkopf' or 'death's head' symbol used by Hitler's SS. He promptly apologized, claiming ignorance of its association with Nazism, and vowed to have it removed. The tattoo has since been altered to resemble an animal, with complete removal planned.
However, in an interview this week with news blog Zeteo, Platner pushed back forcefully. "Everybody should watch Come and See," he said, recommending the 1985 war film that repeatedly displays the similar 'Totenkopf' on Nazi uniforms. This recommendation appears to undermine his previous claims of unawareness regarding the symbol's historical significance.
Contradictory Evidence Emerges
Multiple sources contradict Platner's narrative of ignorance. An unidentified former acquaintance told The Jewish Insider that Platner referred to the tattoo as a 'Totenkopf' during a 2012 conversation at a Washington DC bar. "He said it in a cutesy little way," the source revealed.
Furthermore, unearthed Reddit posts from 2019 show Platner discussing US service members using skull imagery, suggesting familiarity with such symbols years before the scandal broke. His former political director, Genevieve McDonald, wrote in a Facebook post that "he's a military history buff" and "he knows damn well what it means." McDonald resigned in October when Platner's inflammatory past Reddit comments surfaced.
Additional Controversial Comments Surface
The Reddit posts included numerous offensive remarks:
- Calling rural, white Americans "racist" and "stupid"
- Questioning why black people "don't tip"
- Suggesting those worried about rape should "take some responsibility for themselves and not get so f***ked up"
Platner has since apologized for these comments, attributing them to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following his military service. In his Zeteo interview, he remained characteristically blunt, stating he wanted to tell Texas Senator Ted Cruz to "go f*** yourself" amid their public feud.
Political Fallout and Campaign Status
The tattoo controversy has overshadowed what had been a promising campaign. Prior to the scandal, the oyster farmer had raised $5 million in just two months, attracted 11,000 volunteers, and drawn large crowds to town hall events. He faces term-limited Governor Janet Mills in a June 9 primary before the November general election, with Maine considered one of the closest Senate contests this cycle.
Platner's left-wing credentials received a boost from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who told reporters, "I personally think he is an excellent candidate. I'm going to support him and look forward to him becoming the next senator in the state of Maine."
Changing Positions on the Tattoo
The candidate's defense marks a significant shift from his previous stance. In October, he bared his chest during a CNN affiliate interview to show the altered tattoo and confirmed plans for complete removal, citing limited options in rural Maine. He told Politico, "I absolutely would not have gone through life having this on my chest if I knew that — and to insinuate that I did is disgusting."
The original 'Totenkopf' design is classified as a "common hate symbol" by the Anti-Defamation League. Platner obtained the tattoo during a 2007 night of drinking in Croatia while on leave from the US Marines. The controversy continues to haunt his Senate bid as voters prepare for a potentially decisive election.
