Graham Platner says campaign will ‘reflect on the best path forward’ after sexual assault allegation

By WTOP Staff
July 6, 2026 | 4:45 PM

(MAINE) — Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner on Monday pushed back on an allegation of sexual assault, calling it “categorically false,” adding that he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.”

In a report from Politico published on Monday, Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend, alleged that Platner, while they were dating five years ago, forced her into having sex without her consent after she had repeatedly called for him to stop.

ABC News has not confirmed the contents of the Politico story.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Netflix sets release date for Florence Pugh-led ‘East of Eden’ limited series

August 18, 2026 | 4:57 PM

Mike Faist as Charles Trask, Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask and Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames in episode 3 of 'East of Eden.' (Netflix)We now know when East of Eden will arrive.Netflix has announced the release date for its upcoming adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel. The limited series will debut to the streaming service on Oct. 1.Florence Pugh stars as antihero Cathy Ames and co-produces the new limited series that was adapted by Zoe Kazan. This project is personal to Zoe, as she is the granddaughter of director Elia Kazan, who previously adapted the novel into a 1955 film that launched the career of James Dean.The series finds Cathy's life "intertwined with the lives of generations of men from the Trask family — notably those of Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles (Mike Faist) — as the characters live out the darker side of the California dream," according to an official description.East of Eden is described as a seven-episode fresh interpretation of the source material. In addition to Pugh, Abbott and Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Martha Plimpton, Ciarán Hinds, Joseph Zada and Joe Anders star.While "bringing the family saga to life" was a resonant experience for Zoe Kazan, she told Netflix it was “Steinbeck’s writing — personal, shocking, profound, and free — that has kept me enthralled by East of Eden since I first read the book as a young teen.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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