Stephen King deletes post hoping Graham Platner doesn't drop out, clarifies 'not defending' him

Stephen King deleted a post that appeared to support Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner following sexual assault allegations on Monday. he author added that if Platner "committed rape, he should bow out."

Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico over the course of three interviews that Platner entered her home uninvited and forced her to have sex despite her telling him to stop several times in 2021, a claim that Platner denied in the story. Racicot also described Platner as "almost blackout drunk" during the incident.

Since the story's release, numerous prominent Democratic figures have called on Platner to suspend his campaign, including allies like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. However, "The Shining" author initially wrote that he hoped that Platner "doesn't" drop out of the race.

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"Graham Platner may drop out. (I hope he doesn’t, but.) Meanwhile, the Abuser in Chief just keeps on keepin’ on," King wrote.

Though King deleted the post, he continued to write about Platner.

"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,'" King wrote.

That post drew outrage from social media users disturbed at King appearing to dismiss a rape allegation.

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After drawing criticism, King later clarified, "Not defending Grah [sic] Platner. If he committed rape, he should bow out. Just making a comparison."

King's follow-up post continued to receive backlash as people considered the post an attempt to walk back the controversial post.

"After severe backlash from clearly defending Graham Platner, Stephen King now thinks rape is bad and Platner should drop out," political commentator Kevin Dalton said.

Journalist Paul D. Thacker wrote, "This is me comparing what you're saying now to what you said defending Graham Platner."

"Remember, King is ok with The Nazi Totenkopf tattoo Graham having Rape fantasies His Sexting & predator platform activity," podcast host Alec Lace wrote, referencing Platner's past political scandals.

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Fox News Digital reached out to King for comment.

Platner's scandal emerged as Democrats seek to defeat incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. If Platner suspends his campaign before 5 p.m. next Monday, July 13, the Maine Democratic Party will be able to replace him on the general election ballot with another candidate from the party, whom they would need to select by July 27.

So far, Platner has said that his campaign will take "time to reflect on the best path forward" but has not indicated that he will step down.