• Graham Platner has covered a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and apologized for its implications.
• The tattoo, acquired during military service, has drawn significant controversy.
• Platner faces backlash for past social media comments while receiving support from political figures like Bernie Sanders.

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, announced that he has covered a tattoo on his chest which resembled a Nazi symbol, following intense backlash and scrutiny. Platner explained that he obtained the skull and crossbones tattoo during a night of drinking with fellow Marines in Croatia back in 2007, and he only learned it was associated with Nazi imagery recently, claiming he had lived with the tattoo for years without it being questioned, including during military service according to BBC, CBS News, and ABC News.

He further stated that while his campaign initially indicated he would pursue removal of the tattoo, he opted to cover it due to limited access to tattoo removal facilities in rural Maine. Platner noted, “Going to a tattoo removal place is going to take a while. I wanted this thing off my body” according to the LA Times and CBS News.

Platner acknowledged the negative impact of his tattoo during a video statement where he expressed regret, emphasizing his dedication to antifascism, saying, “I have lived a life dedicated to antifascism, antiracism, and anti-Nazism" ABC News. Additionally, the controversy has arisen amidst the resurfacing of past social media comments he made, which included dismissive statements about sexual assault and racially charged remarks according to BBC.

Despite this backlash, Platner received support from notable figures including Senator Bernie Sanders, who stated, “He’s not the only one in America who has gone through a dark period,” underscoring the belief in second chances according to the LA Times, CBS News, and ABC News.