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Maine Senate Hopeful Alters Controversial Tattoo, Addresses Past Remarks
Graham Platner, a Democratic hopeful for the Maine Senate, announced Wednesday that a tattoo on his chest, previously identified as a Nazi symbol, has been altered. The first-time political candidate stated he received the skull and crossbones tattoo in 2007 during his service in the Marine Corps, unaware of its association with Nazi police until recently.
Platner explained in an interview with the Associated Press that while his campaign initially indicated he would pursue tattoo removal, he opted for a cover-up due to limited removal options in rural Maine. “Going to a tattoo removal place is going to take a while,” he said, expressing his desire to have the image off his body promptly.
The original tattoo bore a resemblance to a specific symbol of Hitler’s Schutzstaffel (SS), a paramilitary organization responsible for the systematic murder of millions during World War II. Platner did not immediately detail the new tattoo but later shared a video on X showcasing the updated design.
He wrote, “Years ago I got a skull and crossbones tattoo with my buddies in the Marine Corps. I was appalled to learn it closely resembled a Nazi symbol.
I altered it yesterday, into something that isn’t deeply offensive to my core beliefs. I am very sorry to all of you who had to contemplate a symbol of hate over the past 48 hours.”
This tattoo revelation follows the recent discovery of controversial online statements made by Platner on Reddit, including one dismissing sexual assault in the military. Last week, Platner posted a five-minute apology video on X, addressing not only his comments on military sexual assaults but also remarks questioning Black patrons’ gratuity habits and criticizing police officers and rural Americans.
“As I read through them, I read things that I absolutely do not agree with,” Platner stated. “I read through and I see things that – words and statements that I abhor.
I also see the trajectory of my life.”
Platner also told Pod Save America that his past Reddit comments were intended to “get a rise out of people on the Internet” and “weren’t even reflective of my opinions back then.”
Despite calls to withdraw from the race, Platner maintains the backing of Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, who has publicly endorsed Platner as a strong candidate. Platner expressed no shame in confronting his past, viewing it as a reflection of lessons learned.
“I don’t look at this as a liability,” he told the AP. “I look at this as is a life that I have lived, a journey that has been difficult, that has been full of struggle, that has also gotten me to where I am today.
And I’m very proud of who I am.”
Prior to the tattoo revelation, DNC Chair Ken Martin addressed Platner’s past comments on CNN’s “State of the Union.” Martin stated, “I don’t think they’re disqualifying, but certainly they’re not right.
And I’m glad that he apologized for them. They’re indefensible, they’re hurtful, and they’re offensive.
The question, though, is I believe in second chances. I believe a lot of people say things at their most vulnerable times.
They say things when they’re young that again are offensive. And the question for me is whether or not they actually learn from them, whether or not they actually reflect on those, that they’re sincere in their apology, and more importantly that they have changed their behavior.”
Platner is scheduled to hold a town hall Wednesday in Ogunquit, Maine.