Maine Senate candidate apologises for tattoo that resembles Nazi symbol

October 22, 2025

Graham Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran and Democratic candidate for Maine's US Senate seat, has apologized and removed a tattoo resembling a Nazi Totenkopf symbol after it became visible in a social media video showing him dancing at his brother's wedding. Platner claimed he only recently realized the skull-and-crossbones tattoo's Nazi connection, stating he acquired it in 2007 in Croatia with fellow Marines while drinking. The controversy has escalated amid scrutiny of Platner's past social media posts, including comments downplaying military sexual assault and describing himself as a communist, though prominent supporter Senator Bernie Sanders has defended him.

Who is affected

Graham Platner, Democratic US Senate candidate in Maine
Genevieve McDonald, Platner's former political director who resigned
Senator Bernie Sanders, who is supporting Platner
Maine Democratic primary voters
Potential voters in the Senate race against Republican Susan Collins

What action is being taken

Platner has removed the tattoo and covered it with a new design
Platner is apologizing for both the tattoo and his past controversial social media comments
Platner's campaign team is defending him by noting military doctors had previously examined his tattoos without issue
Senator Bernie Sanders is publicly defending Platner, describing his past behavior as a "dark period"

Why it matters

The controversy affects a competitive Democratic primary for an important US Senate seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins
The incident raises questions about Platner's judgment and awareness of hate symbols
The situation highlights scrutiny candidates face over their personal history and social media presence
The controversy comes at a time of heightened awareness about antisemitism and hate symbols in American politics

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC