When the New York Times published an article in early June about Senate candidate Graham Platner's treatment of women he dated, the main source, Lyndsey Fifield, reacted with disappointment.
She called the story a 'gift to the Platner campaign.'
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The headline described his behavior as 'unsettling,' a term that seemed mild given the details inside.
Fifield alleged Platner grabbed her by the shoulders hard enough to leave marks, yanked her out of a cab, and twisted her arm behind her back during an argument.
Platner denied any violence. The Times noted they could not independently corroborate Fifield's account.
Some supporters dismissed her claims as politically motivated, pointing to her work for conservative groups.
Despite the controversy, Platner won the Democratic primary with backing from progressive figures like Bernie Sanders. He appeared ready to challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins in November.
Then more allegations emerged.
Politico reported that another woman, Jenny Racicot, said Platner came to her home drunk and forced her to have sex.
'I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, “This is no longer my choice,”' she told reporters.
Platner denied the allegation. Politico stopped short of using the term rape, but the story was widely interpreted as such.
CNN's Jake Tapper interviewed Racicot, amplifying her account.
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The next day, the Washington Post reported that Fifield accused Platner of removing condoms without her consent during sex.
