Ex-girlfriend of Graham Platner says he removed condoms without consent during sex

[demmiblue]

An ex-girlfriend of embattled Senate candidate Graham Platner told The Washington Post that he repeatedly removed protection without her consent when they were having sex.

Lyndsey Fifield, who said she dated Platner from 2013 to 2015 in D.C. and has previously accused him of physical abuse, said that she told Platner on multiple occasions that he had to wear condoms during sex because she was not on birth control.

“He would pull condoms off,” she said in an interview. “He would do it in a sneaky way. He wouldn’t tell me.”

In a statement in response to questions about Fifield’s allegation, Platner’s campaign called the claim “categorically false and politically motivated.” The statement noted Fifield supported now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh when he was accused of sexual assault prior to his confirmation.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/07/ex-girlfriend-graham-platner-says-he-removed-condoms-without-consent/

https://archive.ph/ExpS2

[lame54]

1. I don't need to know more about this guy...

Just get rid of him

[QueerDuck]

2. I believe her.

[RandySF]

3. Also a crime in many states.

[hlthe2b]

6. Only if it is a clear violation of a consensual agreement--and then almost always ONLY if repercussions

occur (STI, pregnancy, injury, etc). Outside of the latter (and even WITH one or more of the latter), very hard to prosecute. Civil court usually hears these.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

9. It is illegal in my state because it negates a woman's consent and it is treated as sexual assualt.

[hlthe2b]

13. It is hard to prove. I have a close relative who lives in such a state-- and has tried to prosecute...

The substantiation required sans a deleterious related outcome is very difficult. My understanding is exactly one (in his state) has ever been successfully prosecuted--and even then resulted in a favorable (to the defendant who had no other "transgressions," ) negotiated outcome, out-of-court.

Sans other issues, juries and judges are readily convinced the act was "accidental."

[50 Shades Of Blue]

15. Regardless, it's a crime. Plenty of crimes are hard to prove.

Especially crimes against women.

[hlthe2b]

16. And given courts, juries, judges believe the defendent's claim of accident--sans a lot of other

accumulated and overwhelming evidence--and even then fail to get a true conviction, I can assure you this is not a priority. Sex crimes, yes. But, these become "he said, she said." or "the condom came off when I lost my erection, judge and I was so embarrassed, I didn't want to admit it..." Think they won't latch onto that excuse or explanation? I've got news for you. Not to mention, this is far more common in relationships than you might think and judges/juries know so and sometimes it is mere accident that a partner might not accept as so.

Thus, these are not prosecuted in most cases. Saying otherwise doesn't make it so.

And on this WAPO piece.. I find this article gratuitous in every way and smacks of unprovable bad behavior meant to malign and pile-on for any number of motivations. Is he a creep? Pretty clearly yes? Might he have been subject to a sexual assault charge had his (other) accusers chosen to pursue? Likely. And he should have been, if so. Thus, there is plenty to write about from his accuser(s) who maintain they were raped or any of his other provable behavior. If this individual has experienced this, then that is the issue to discuss.

[EdmondDantes_]

28. How many shitty behaviors does a guy get to get a pass on?

Whether or not a crime is rarely charged doesn't have much impact on the morality of the behavior. White collar crime is rarely prosecuted. Rape is rarely prosecuted. It's not a defense of shitty behavior.

And at what point does a guy who has spent his entire adult life mistreating women stop getting the benefit of the doubt?

[hlthe2b]

31. EdmondDantes. You tell me we exactly where I have ever given him benefit-of-the-doubt?

That is false in every way.


BTW, we've had major issues-- in the many years DU has been here-- with men (and i can only assume from your chosen posting name that you are a male) attempting to call out the site's feminist women to mansplain and lecture US on issues related to rape, assault, access to birth control, abortion, and other high impact issues to women and those others capable of giving birth. Yes, anyone can be raped, but the issue in this case is female rape, female assault, and intentional destruction of a condom in use with a female potentially at "risk" for pregnancy and certainly STIs. For that reason, we have a number of feminist forums, but these issues obviously are likewise discussed in GD. I would urge you to refrain from moving from interactive civil discussion to accusatory affront. That my issue was a legal discussion for an important issue that impacts women, but for which --even on this thread--some invalid information is being promoted is what I sought to correct. We (especially those of us who engage and lobby on change re: these issues ) certainly need to understand the facts of what we are dealing with. Kindly take my admonition to heart.

[EdmondDantes_]

53. Here's the exact quote:

"I find this article gratuitous in every way and smacks of unprovable bad behavior meant to malign and pile-on for any number of motivations."

That's giving him the benefit of the doubt right there. Or did someone else write the post for you?

[hlthe2b]

54. The intent (as you WELL know is to put emphasis on the rape allegations already made)

Last edited Tue Jul 7, 2026, 11:24 PM - Edit history (1)

and which can be validated at least with contemporaneous corroboration of reporting. If you read even one iota of what I have written on the matter you would know (and I believe that you DO) that I am NOT giving him benefit on the doubt about anything, just that the emphasis and focus should be on that which can be proven. The rest is, yes extraneous and unprovable--yet need not be to effect his removal from the nomination, whether by voluntary withdrawal or not.

I note that you have made a habit of this kind of posting toward others. That you do so knowing full well that you are taking snippets out of context to suit your own desires is the worst of disreputable responding--some might wonder if it was "trolling". If you don't mean to troll then you can be more aware of it and cease, or issue apologies or both. But it is beyond reprehensible and I have seen you do it with multiple DUers. Bye.

[WinningAgain]

4. Nothing would surprise me about him now.

[hlthe2b]

5. This is becoming gratuitous.. We get it.. He needs to go...

But, I don't need to know his condom habits. Nor, I'd argue does the rest of the world. If you have a partner that does this, then send him packing. If you face consequences (pregnancy, STI, other) from his doing so, then bring a civil action (it is not a criminal act unless the sex was nonconsensual, repercussions occur, and only in a few states--prosecution on this would be difficult without a lot of substantiation). Still, inform his next girlfriend if you want and any you know who show interest...

But, the rest of us, no. The rape allegations are serious and deserves the attention given.

This crap? No. It smells of "15 minutes of fame" or at a minimum, vitriol and vengeance. Both which can
be done outside the Washington Post.

[obamanut2012]

20. This woman already talked about this months ago with the NYT

The Times chose not to publish most of it, and Racicot also talked to them then and they chose not to even talk about her evidence.

This isn't "condom habits," stealthing is sexual assault. This IS rape.

[hlthe2b]

27. I have addressed this repeatedly in this and other posts...

The legal realities are as I have defined--straight from discussions with one who has tried to prosecute on this--very very difficult. Even if you think it should be or would be otherwise. Juries, judges, and even other prosecutors do not always agree on your interpretation nor that the accusations are valid sans a lot of other victims echoing the same. Sans that, your interpretation is instead interpreted as the "accidental" excuse swallowed (no pun intended) judges and juries so often these are not being prosecuted.

Don't like it? We have a hell of a time getting sexual assault and rape (same in some states where penetrative) prosecuted. An intentionally failed or claim of an intentionally "removed" condom mid-act is not going to be pursued the same given its likely failure in court sans a lot of additional evidence.

So, yes. This is gratuitous in this context.

[MerryBlooms]

38. Platner is done

Makes no sense to continue defending

Who do you see can take his place on the Dem ballot?
Man, this is a hot mess!

I feel bad for Mainers right now.

[hlthe2b]

40. I fear the party powers-that-be are going to make everything even worse (if that is possible)..

I have no idea who is the best alternative. But, I don't think it is wrong to look at the policy positions he proclaimed that had the electorate wanting to support him to find someone compatible to those principles.

The problem is without name identity, there will be so little time to inform--even if they quickly hold a dozen or more caucuses throughout the state. I don't see much of an alternative, though. If the leadership picks someone, I predict abysmal failure and backlash--no matter who it is.

Age has become so much an issue on so many political fronts, I just don't see the former governor, Janet Mills being an option and she holds more centrist ideology, I think. But, she sure would be a logical choice ordinarily.

[MerryBlooms]

49. Mills was right of centrist

Her voting record did her in, Ageism is what media ran with, and picked up in DU.

Like I said, I feel bad for Mainers. From the fire to the cast iron skillet over the open fire.

If I read correctly, the thirteenth is the deadline? Man, that's a heartbeat away.

Anyway, good wishes to you and yours. Time for these old legs to get busy again

[hlthe2b]

51. I take your opinion on Mills and the reasons for her rejection...

Best wishes to Mainers finding a good alternative who can and WILL defeat Susan Collins. Sigh...

[Katinfl]

7. TMI (too much information). Spare us the details

[obamanut2012]

22. She is talking about him sexually assaulting her

Sorry if that's TMI to you. Wow.

[Nanjeanne]

10. Oh who cares about this? Are people really interested in these kinds of details?

[Polly Hennessey]

12. Same here. Why do I need to hear about this.

Wonder how many times this happens everyday in the USA? Spare me. 😝

[obamanut2012]

24. it's sexual assault, so it's okay if it happens all the time?

WTF am I reading on this site.

[hlthe2b]

36. Even those few states that have developed (mostly civil statutes) fail to consider it rape

A few have, yes. But prosecutions as I have laid out before almost always fail unless a pattern can be shown or it is combined with violent rape. That is the truth. Whether you or I might disagree, your statement is not universally accepted and certainly not by courts. Even California--the first state to pass a law addressing this had to downgrade to civil prosecution, not criminal.

This year, at least three states — Vermont, Texas, and Utah— are reportedly considering passing anti-stealthing legislation inspired by the California law, though none have made it to its respective governor's desk. Several more states have considered versions of the issue since 2017, though those previous bills have so far failed to gain the traction necessary to push through legislatures in Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Idaho, in part because there has been disagreement over whether "stealthing" rises to the level of rape and whether it's a civil or criminal offense. (It should be noted that the bill only passed in California after Garcia re-introduced it as a civil — not criminal — offense.) 

Read More: https://www.women.com/1270289/yes-stealthing-is-sexual-assault-here-are-the-states-taking-action-against-it/

[obamanut2012]

23. Yes, it's sexual assault

[hlthe2b]

37. In only a few states, no matter how you or I may feel about it. Please stop calling out DUers

who are either less informed or perhaps better informed, given it is not being prosecuted as rape or even sexual assault in MOST states and in those that do is most often a civil, not criminal prosecution, as I laid out from my relative who has prosecuted such cases.

This year, at least three states — Vermont, Texas, and Utah— are reportedly considering passing anti-stealthing legislation inspired by the California law, though none have made it to its respective governor's desk. Several more states have considered versions of the issue since 2017, though those previous bills have so far failed to gain the traction necessary to push through legislatures in Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Idaho, in part because there has been disagreement over whether "stealthing" rises to the level of rape and whether it's a civil or criminal offense. (It should be noted that the bill only passed in California after Garcia re-introduced it as a civil — not criminal — offense.) 

Read More: https://www.women.com/1270289/yes-stealthing-is-sexual-assault-here-are-the-states-taking-action-against-it/

[JefilteFish]

52. Ok I'm jumping out of semi retirement to address this

From a long term DUer like you, it’s completely baffling to see you and others downplaying this. I’ve had this done to me. Do you remember what it’s like to be a woman in reproductive years, feeling vulnerable already with a man, and then have him put your HEALTH at risk? It’s a massive violation. And then you have to worry about PREGNANCY. So there’s more time and emotional energy spent, $50 for planB, maybe you weigh more than 150lbs so it doesn’t work, then you need an abortion. Maybe you’re in a state where you can’t get one…

And on and on. All because a scum bag man can’t be trusted and slipped condoms off.

It FEELS LIKE ASSAULT. That is why is IS ASSAULT in multiple places, and should be everywhere.

I don’t give a F about Platner one way or another beyond how he has totally screwed our party, but it’s up to Mainers to decide how they want to move forward.

But I won’t sit here on DU and let you underplay what slipping condoms off really means to women. Even women who are MAGA and we dislike.

[hlthe2b]

55. I am downplaying nothing. Only that the emphasis on the rapes is enough to remove him

from consideration and that needs to be the target.

I am not underplaying the condom issue and yes, I've been an active GD feminist on this board far longer than you have even lurked and certainly longer than you have posted.

I am well versed in the law on this and have posted some facts that need too be understood. To that point, I am educating women who may be given a VERY WRONG impression where the law is on this across the nation--whether you or I or anyone else agrees that that SHOULD be the status . If you bothered to read my posts you would know that to be the case. Instead you take a snippet to try to make a very disingenuous and ill-informed post. I would normally welcome you and I would still like to do so, but not if you are going to do this. Be serious and read posts with the intent the poster is obviously trying to convey or intentionally or obliviously take things out of context to try to make your own point at the false expense of others. If that is not your intent then perhaps take a breath, read far more and absorb before you make such broad brush and very false assumptions and accusations I hope you will take that to heart. Your assumptions are unbelievably wrong.

[no_hypocrisy]

11. That's downright galling and disgusting.

For decades, I've heard about guys advising other guys not to accept a condom from girls/women b/c there might be holes from pins in them.

And here's this guy who's chill with impregnating his partner, perhaps leave her with a venereal disease AFTER she believed he was using protection.

[NoMoreRepugs]

14. I assume bathroom habits and personal grooming are next?

At some point the 500 question purity test done with a lie detector is going to become standard. I just have a hard time getting past a convicted rapist and known serial liar who has a pedophile cloud following him everywhere was elected President of the United States with 77+ MILLION votes. Maybe that’s just me.

[obamanut2012]

25. Why are you excusing rape??? THIS IS RAPE

[hlthe2b]

35. I think it should be But those states with or considering stealthing statutes largely have not...

Even California (the first state to pass a law, only did so after changing it from a criminal to a civil statute):

This year, at least three states — Vermont, Texas, and Utah— are reportedly considering passing anti-stealthing legislation inspired by the California law, though none have made it to its respective governor's desk. Several more states have considered versions of the issue since 2017, though those previous bills have so far failed to gain the traction necessary to push through legislatures in Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Idaho, in part because there has been disagreement over whether "stealthing" rises to the level of rape and whether it's a civil or criminal offense. (It should be noted that the bill only passed in California after Garcia re-introduced it as a civil — not criminal — offense.) 

Read More: https://www.women.com/1270289/yes-stealthing-is-sexual-assault-here-are-the-states-taking-action-against-it/

While this is not the latest article, it conveys what my close relative--a state prosecutor in one of these states--has been up again. Prosecutions fail at this point because it is not perceived as some would like.
Most states do NOT (currently) consider it rape. That is the problem. No, it isn't ME. It is the facts.

[mcar]

33. What. The. Fuck?

Sexual assault is not grooming.

[milestogo]

17. He wanted 18 years of child support payments.

Go figure.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

50. I suspect it had more to do with

his feeling pleasure without the interference.

[TommyT139]

18. Thanks for this post. The subject line is clear about its content

...so it's surprising to me that some commenters who objected to it didn't just skip onto the next post. Clicking on a clearly-titled post seems like a form of consent to me.

For those still wondering why this needs to be news, consider that for many readers, here and elsewhere, there is lack of awareness and misinformation about what is often termed "stealthing." Only a few states have laws passed against it, or legislation working through the process to become law. So the conversation is just starting. Like other analogous issues, this news story might be the first time people who have experienced this, or other types of reproductive coercion, are learning about what some states and advocacy organizations are doing to stop it.

Here's a recent article giving an overview:
https://19thnews.org/2026/04/stealthing-nonconsensual-condom-removal/

[demmiblue]

21. Thank you for the link.

The fact that people don’t see the seriousness of this type of act is rather disturbing.

[obamanut2012]

26. Seriously, this is literally a form of rape

[demmiblue]

30. It's been eye-opening.

Especially some of the comments from posters I have grown to respect over the years. ☹️

I may have to take a break from here. :sigh:

[hlthe2b]

44. Maybe, just maybe others are either less informed or actually MORE INFORMED on the issue

as I have repeatedly posted. As my relative has tried to prosecute these cases (and failed) because the few states that have laws are most often civil--even California--and thus not clearly considered rape. Should it be? That is a different question that I'm not arguing. But the reality is (as some of the possibly more informed, and not less caring, less concerned DUers may know) is not prosecuted as sexual assault but rather a civil offense in most states. Those where a law may specifically allow for a serious sexual assualt prosecution rarely succeed as I have laid out direct from one who has tried.

This year, at least three states — Vermont, Texas, and Utah— are reportedly considering passing anti-stealthing legislation inspired by the California law, though none have made it to its respective governor's desk. Several more states have considered versions of the issue since 2017, though those previous bills have so far failed to gain the traction necessary to push through legislatures in Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and Idaho, in part because there has been disagreement over whether "stealthing" rises to the level of rape and whether it's a civil or criminal offense. (It should be noted that the bill only passed in California after Garcia re-introduced it as a civil — not criminal — offense.) 

Read More: https://www.women.com/1270289/yes-stealthing-is-sexual-assault-here-are-the-states-taking-action-against-it/


I put my feminism and support for sexual abuse/assault/harassment victims against anyone, but I am also educated on these issues, thanks to my own interest (including outside of medicine) into law from my extended family "legal community"--which is both extensive and diverse in terms of practice. I also do not denigrate other DUers who are not educated on the matter and conflate them (without other evidence to the contrary) as uncaring, misogynists, or anything else. The truth is this issue is complicated and many here may actually know THAT as well. Rape is something most fully appreciate. This is an emerging serious violative issue, but the law on it is not at all consistent, clear, or readily applied.

So, if my statement of the current state of facts is disturbing to you and you wish to call me out or "lose respect" for me. SO be it. I hope that is not the case, but truth is not always what we want to hear or read.

[TommyT139]

29. Honestly, I thought (like others) it was more universally outlawed.

I had assumed a more even split, instead of just three states with legal clarity.

But this has happened to at least one friend of mine, and apart from whatever consequences happen in the moment, for them it left a lingering inability to not be on guard during intimate moments.

Yeah, we get it - Platner's gotta go. In the meantime, this is another conversation that is bubbling up, and that needs to.

[demmiblue]

32. Especially with the downfall of Roe, and the attack on women's reproductive healthcare.n/t

[obamanut2012]

41. Yeah, it's a way to control and baby trap women

Too.

[hlthe2b]

39. I think many do. But there is a lot of misinformation and conflation on this issue and

that is NOT helpful. He is despicable for many reasons. Period.

[obamanut2012]

42. Except this is more proof of rape

[hlthe2b]

46. It can be. As I posted earlier...

"Thus, there is plenty to write about from his accuser(s) who maintain they were raped or any of his other provable behavior. If this individual has experienced this, then that is the issue to discuss."
https://upload.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21358812

If you are saying she has been one who made a clear prior accusation of rape, that wasn't clear to me. If it is a substantiated accusation with contemporaneous discussion at the time, then I agree, this aspect would be valuable applied to a rape prosecution, had she gone that route, and greatly increase the likelihood of successful prosecution and be considered in sentencing as well.

The current victim's statements, her interviews, and the reporting thereon are certainly enough to convince most as to what this candidate has been and likely still manifests. The other victims add to a pattern. Given none apparently want/wanted to criminally prosecute for rape, the impact on his future is probably limited to his political aspirations. Although civil suits are certainly still possible.

On all this, we are in absolute agreement.

[obamanut2012]

19. Stealthing is rape

Often criminally so, too.

[sarisataka]

34. It is no wonder women feel there's no point in reporting sexual assaults

Even amongst people who say they are progressive the victim is doubted and blamed
Or the assault is dismissed. Because it happens every day

I just think of how many times he has been called rapist in chief and now have to wonder what really was behind those words. Was it disgustwith his actions? Or was it just a convenient empty insult?

[obamanut2012]

43. Thank you

I am shake by these comnents, not gonna lie.

I feel EarlG needs to step in.

[Jirel]

45. So he sexually assaulted her.

We need to use that language. When we write a headline that minimizes it (“They were having consensual sex. He just took off his condom.”), we are making excuses for rape. Sex with a condom was consensual. Sex without one was not. It’s really that basic.

[Iggo]

48. Yes, when consensual sex turns into rape, it's rape.

[Iggo]

47. I've already heard enough about this guy.

In fact, I had already heard enough when I heard his bullshit response to the tattoo fiasco.

You all are just catching up, is all.