Progressive U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner issued an apology on Wednesday for using the R-word during an interview about his tattoo controversy.
In a conversation with a news outlet, Platner shared his initial reaction when he found out that he was accused of having a Nazi tattoo. This stemmed from his tattoo of a skull and crossbones, which resembles the Totenkopf symbol historically associated with Hitler’s SS militia. He mentioned, “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is the worst thing I’ve ever heard in my life.’ I honestly didn’t see it that way at first, but then I reconsidered it later and thought, ‘Oh my god.’
Platner’s comments sparked criticism from disability advocacy groups. They alleged that the use of the R-word was undermining dignity. Kim Moody, CEO of Disability Rights Maine, emphasized that the term is rooted in discrimination and exclusion, stating, “This word is not harmless; it reinforces prejudice and diminishes the dignity of disabled individuals in our communities.”
During an interview with another station, Platner expressively apologized and expressed his desire to improve his language. He stated, “I’m sorry. I’m trying to get better every day. I’m not perfect, but I’m putting in the effort.” He also mentioned his commitment to inclusivity in his political views and campaign messaging.
Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s campaign and Disability Rights Maine for comments, but responses were not immediately available.
This apology comes amid other controversies Platner has faced since launching his campaign in the fall. He has faced pushback for past comments on social media, where he referred to himself as a communist and made offensive suggestions about sensitive topics.
He later clarified that his previous statements were shaped by his experiences during combat deployments and the challenges he faced afterward.
