Following a Politico report in early July 2026 detailing an allegation of rape against Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, author Stephen King shared his perspective on X. King posted, “Tell you what — if you knew the whole truth about everyone in the Senate and House of Reps, those chambers would be dead empty. Jesus said, ‘Let him without sin cast the first stone.'”
This statement from King circulated on social media platforms including Threads, X, and Bluesky, with users questioning its authenticity. The quote was accurately attributed to King.
King’s remarks came after he expressed hope that Platner would not withdraw from the Senate race. King, a resident of Maine, had previously endorsed Platner in his primary election earlier that year.
The Politico report detailed an allegation by Jenny Racicot, who claimed Platner raped her in 2019. This news followed a New York Times article that highlighted Platner’s past relationships and quoted several women describing his behavior as concerning. The Times article also touched upon a controversy regarding a tattoo on Platner’s chest, which a former girlfriend stated he knew was a symbol associated with the Nazi SS.
After Politico’s report, several prominent figures who had previously supported Platner withdrew their endorsements. King, however, reiterated his support in two X posts. He initially stated his hope that Platner would remain in the race and then followed up with the widely shared quote about the lack of innocence in Congress and a call for forgiveness, referencing Jesus’ words. The following day, King clarified his stance, stating that he was not defending Platner and that if the allegations were true, Platner should withdraw from the race.
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