Fifield, 41, is the second woman to allege this week that Platner engaged in nonconsensual sexual conduct. Jenny Racicot, 41, who said she previously dated Platner, told The Post and other outlets on Monday that he sexually assaulted her in late 2021, leading a growing number of allies to drop their endorsements and call on him to withdraw from the race for a Maine seat in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), his most influential and prominent supporter, said he spoke with Platner on Tuesday and urged him to withdraw from his campaign to unseat Susan Collins, the incumbent Republican.
Platner, 41, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer, also denied Racicot’s allegation but said on Monday that he was “mindful of the political reality” that the reporting will “inflict” on his campaign and was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.”
Fifield initially told The Post about the alleged condom removal during a June 20 interview that was off the record. She said she decided to speak publicly about it Tuesday in part because, she said, she wanted to show that Racicot was not alone in experiencing issues with Platner involving sexual consent.
Oh sure, rape can certainly still be part of the term. No issue with that. Didn’t really think there was any reason it shouldn’t be. But “just” calling it rape seems an injustice.
Well, I’d argue that it’s similar to raping someone who is unconscious. Because the act of removing a condom is, in effect, a manner of violating personal autonomy without their knowledge. With aggregated rape, presuming that means forceful, the victim knows what’s happening.
I’d even stick by this assessment because, should the victim become aware during the act and express discontent — it can then become aggravated rape, as well. Hell, even if the victim doesn’t express anything… because a victim could notice the initial form, then become too scared to directly address the matter. That ought count as both forms still, right?
I would be in favor of distinguishing between the two forms, legally, if it meant that perpetrators can get hit with both charges at the same time.
I am in favor of it being two charges. I really think there should be a bunch of them really. It’s just not one type of crime. It is many. Like raping a prepubescent child is a charge on top of rape, and likely another charge for abuse of trust position based rape as well. The punishment and required treatment are different than for raping a 17 year old who the person held no position of trust or power over (like a 22 year old boyfriend type situation). Currrently they are both just “rape” in some states.