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Maher warns Democrats have 'another sex, creep problem’ with Platner citing misconduct allegations

By CJ Womack

Published June 07, 2026

Fox News
Bill Maher mocks Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner over controversies Video

Bill Maher mocked Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner Friday, using the candidate's mounting controversies to argue Democrats are facing another problem tied to misconduct allegations ahead of a major toss-up race.

"Democrats — they have another sex, creep problem," Maher said during his "Real Time with Bill Maher" monologue. "Have you seen this guy, Graham Platner, up in Maine? Their big hope to take the Senate, the Democrats. But Graham Platner, he’s a lot."

Maher pointed first to Platner’s tattoo controversy, which has followed the Maine Democrat for months. The Associated Press reported in October that Platner said he covered a chest tattoo that was widely recognized as a Nazi symbol, after saying he got it in 2007 while drinking on leave in Croatia and did not understand its meaning at the time.

"You know, he’s got a Nazi tattoo," Maher said. "We don’t know about that, maybe it was just drunk. You didn’t know it was… whatever."

Graham Platner, who's running for the Senate in Maine, is facing multiple controversies

Bill Maher used his Friday "Real Time" monologue to mock Graham Platner over controversies surrounding his Maine Senate campaign. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)

DEMOCRATIC MAINE SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER CONFRONTED BY MS NOW HOST ABOUT TATTOO CONTROVERSY

The HBO host cited recent reporting on Platner's marriage and his interactions with women. The AP reported that former campaign staffer Genevieve McDonald said Platner was "sexting multiple women while married" and that the campaign reviewed the issue as a possible election vulnerability.

"But, you know, he definitely was texting other women outside of his marriage," Maher said.

Maher also referenced allegations from former romantic partners, including reporting that one woman described Platner’s behavior as unsettling.

Graham Platner and his wife Amy Gertner standing together at a campaign event

Graham Platner’s Senate campaign has faced scrutiny over a tattoo controversy, reports about messages outside his marriage and allegations from former romantic partners. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

PLATNER STILL HAS ACTIVE ACCOUNT ON ANONYMOUS APP DUBBED 'PREDATOR'S PARADISE' AMID CHEATING SCANDAL

"Now some of the girlfriends are coming forward," Maher said. "One of them says he used to watch TV while he was sharpening his axe."

The AP reported that Lyndsey Fifield told The New York Times that Platner grabbed her hard enough to leave marks, pulled her from a cab by the wrist and, in one incident, twisted her arm and held her in a room when they dated more than a decade ago.

Another former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, told the Times his behavior was "reckless" and "unsettling," according to the AP.

Graham Platner speaking at rally

Platner is running in Maine as Democrats look to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race that could help determine control of the Senate. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

GRAHAM PLATNER ACCUSER HITS NYT FOR ALLEGEDLY SOFTENING ALLEGATIONS, SAYS COVERAGE WAS 'GIFT' TO DEMOCRAT

Maher also made a joke about Maine author Stephen King, whose work has often centered on horror stories set in the state. Maher said Platner's alleged axe sharpening "could cost him women and their votes."

"But he did win over Stephen King," Maher added.

Platner has denied allegations that he was violent toward women. In a statement to the AP, he said he had been open about a "very dark period" in his life, including undiagnosed PTSD, alcohol use and being a "far from perfect boyfriend."

"Any characterization beyond that is false, and I believe, politically motivated," Platner said in the statement. "I’m not proud of who I was then, but I am proud of the work I’ve done since, and the movement we are building in Maine."

Rep Sheri Biggs: The American people deserve better than Graham Platner Video

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Platner also addressed the allegations during an appearance on MS NOW with Chris Hayes, saying some claims were untrue.

"There are things in this that I absolutely will take responsibility for and have been speaking about openly for months," Platner said. "But those serious allegations are just not true."

Platner is running in Maine’s Democratic primary as the party seeks to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November.

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The primary is Tuesday, June 9. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Graham Platner for comment but did not immediately hear back.

CJ Womack is an associate editor at Fox News.

CJ joined Fox News Digital's team in 2026, which highlights the vital role journalism plays in shaping politics and culture. He has years of experience analyzing and reporting on the news media.

CJ graduated from Long Beach State University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Journalism. 

Story tips can be sent to cj.womack@fox.com, and you can follow on Twitter.

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