Platner and wife respond to reports of extramarital texts, active Kik account
7 verified4 unconfirmed
Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, and his wife Amy Gertner are responding to reports that he sent sexually explicit texts to multiple women early in their marriage and maintains an active profile on the anonymous messaging app Kik. In a video released by the campaign Saturday, Gertner said she is “really angry” and “disappointed” that media outlets reported what she called “gossip” rather than focusing on policy issues. Platner’s campaign confirmed the texts occurred but said he deleted the Kik app years ago. NBC News verified the account after matching tattoos visible in the profile photo to Platner’s body. The candidate has already faced scrutiny over past vulgar Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he later covered up. Gertner said the couple is in marriage counseling and insisted their relationship is strong. Platner is challenging longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
What’s verified
Graham Platner is the presumptive Democratic nominee for Senate in Maine.
Reports say Platner sent sexually explicit texts to multiple women early in his marriage to Amy Gertner.
Gertner released a video calling the media reports “gossip” and saying she is “angry” and “disappointed.”
Platner’s campaign confirmed he sent the texts and said he deleted the Kik app and has not used it in years.
An active Kik profile belonging to Platner was verified; the profile photo shows his torso with visible tattoos.
Platner has previously apologized for Reddit posts in which he used vulgar and racially insensitive language and called himself a “communist.”
Platner covered up a chest tattoo that resembled a Nazi symbol, saying he got it in 2007 while in the Marines and did not know its meaning.
Not yet confirmed
It is unclear who Platner messaged on Kik or what messages he sent there; no evidence of communication with minors has been reported.
The identity of the person Gertner said “spread malicious gossip” about her marriage is not publicly named in either account.
The exact date when Platner deleted the Kik app is not specified in the sources.
Whether the Kik account was actively used after Platner entered the Senate race is not confirmed.
Key figures
Graham Platner, presumptive Democratic Senate nominee in Maine
Amy Gertner, wife of Graham Platner
Sen. Susan Collins, Republican incumbent seeking sixth term in Maine
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
Sources: foxnews.com, NBC News
