Overview
- Platner’s campaign confirmed to NBC News that he has covered the chest tattoo rather than immediately removing it, with Platner citing limited access to removal services and saying he wants it gone.
- The Anti-Defamation League said the design appears to resemble the Nazi Totenkopf, while Platner denies any Nazi affiliation and says he got the tattoo in 2007 in Split, Croatia while intoxicated.
- A former acquaintance told Jewish Insider that Platner once referred to the tattoo as a Totenkopf, a claim he disputes as he vows to address the tattoo and move forward in the race.
- The controversy follows reports of offensive deleted Reddit posts, for which Platner apologized; his political director resigned over the posts as scrutiny of his past intensified.
- Bernie Sanders reaffirmed his endorsement, the DNC chair labeled Platner’s past comments offensive but not disqualifying, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer endorsed Gov. Janet Mills, underscoring party divisions in a race to challenge Sen. Susan Collins.