A Democratic U.S. Senate candidate is facing renewed scrutiny after abruptly canceling a fundraiser at a New York City gay bar. Graham Platner had planned a meet-and-greet event at Industry Bar, but references to the event were removed from his campaign website shortly after media inquiries. The cancellation came after The Advocate contacted Platner’s team and the venue, questioning the decision to host the event at an LGBTQ+ bar given his past anti-LGBTQ remarks online.
Neither Platner’s campaign nor the bar responded to requests for comment. Platner previously apologized for those remarks, calling them “abhorrent.” He has also faced criticism over past misogynistic and racist comments, as well as a tattoo resembling Nazi insignia, which he has since covered.
Despite expressing support for the LGBTQ+ community during his campaign, his past continues to follow him. On June 9, Platner will face Maine Governor Janet Mills in the state’s Democratic primary election for Senate. The winner will face incumbent Senator Susan Collins, the last Republican representing New England in Congress.
