'The Office' star rages at Democratic 'hypocrisy' over Graham Platner's Nazi tattoo and trouble with women

By JAMES GORDON, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 02:18, 15 June 2026 | Updated: 02:18, 15 June 2026 Actor Rainn Wilson blasted what he called Democratic 'hypocrisy' after Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner survived a series of controversies that included scrutiny over a Nazi tattoo and allegations over his behavior towards women. The former Office star argued that politicians and voters routinely apply different standards to their candidates depending on which party is involved, deepening America's political divisions. Speaking to Fox News, Wilson singled out the reaction to Platner's campaign as a prime example. 'It's the hypocrisy that gets me the most,' Wilson said. 'It's the hypocrisy of like, both sides need to have, kind of, equal standards of behavior.' The actor, best known for playing eccentric paper salesman Dwight Schrute, said America's political culture has become consumed by selective outrage, with voters and politicians eager to condemn opponents while excusing misconduct from allies. Wilson pointed to the growing list of controversies surrounding Platner's Senate campaign including scrutiny over a skull-and-crossbones tattoo linked to Nazi symbolism and allegations about his conduct toward women. 'The political right is all up in arms about that "Oh, he's a racist, see,"' Wilson said. 'But they won't look at their own side when people show racist tendencies or say racist things.' Wilson argued that Democrats are often guilty of the same behavior. Former The Office star Rainn Wilson accused both Democrats and Republicans of applying double standards when dealing with political scandals involving members of their own parties Wilson cited Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner as an example of what he called partisan hypocrisy in American politics 'And it's the same on the left,' he continued. 'They're willing to overlook the Platner Nazi tattoo, but if it was someone from the other side that had a tattoo that was questionable, they would be all over MSNBC about it.' 'It's the hypocrisy that gets me the most,' Wilson added. 'It's the hypocrisy of like, both sides need to have, kind of, equal standards of behavior.' The comments thrust Wilson into the middle of one of the Democratic Party's most contentious Senate races after Platner emerged victorious in Maine's Democratic primary despite weeks of damaging headlines about his past. Platner, a 41-year-old oyster farmer, military veteran and progressive candidate, won last week's primary after campaigning heavily on rising living costs, housing affordability and economic inequality.  Democrats view the race as one of their best opportunities to unseat longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins and potentially help reclaim control of the Senate. But his path to the nomination was overshadowed by a series of revelations that drew criticism from both conservatives and fellow Democrats. Among the most politically damaging was renewed scrutiny over a skull-and-crossbones tattoo that critics identified as the Nazi-linked Totenkopf symbol.  Platner has repeatedly maintained that he was unaware of the symbol's historical association when he got the tattoo and has since covered it with a different design. Wilson, pictured here during his time on The Office, said Democrats were willing to overlook Platner's controversial tattoo while Republicans focus heavily on it Platner has come under fire for his previous chest tattoo of a Totenkompf, widely recognized as a Nazi symbol. He has since covered that tattoo up Questions intensified after a former girlfriend told The New York Times that she believed he was aware of the symbol's meaning at the time. Platner has also faced scrutiny over reports that he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with multiple women while married. He has not directly denied the existence of the messages, instead accusing political opponents and media outlets of focusing on personal gossip rather than the issues facing voters. Additional reporting by The New York Times examined allegations from former romantic partners, including claims by one woman that Platner twisted her arm during an argument and locked her in a room. His campaign disputed the allegation. The candidate has previously apologized for a separate batch of controversial online comments that resurfaced during the campaign.  Those posts appeared to endorse political violence, downplay sexual assault in the military and make disparaging remarks about police officers and rural communities. Platner said he wrote the comments while struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and expressed regret for them. Despite the controversies, he comfortably secured the Democratic nomination and used his victory speech to frame his campaign around redemption and personal growth. 'If you believe, as I do, that we can change our politics and change our country, then you must also believe that people can change,' Platner told supporters after his victory. 'And the reason I believe that is because I have lived it.' Amy Gertner, Platner's wife, infformed the progressive candidate's campaign last year that he had been communicating with to up to 12 women via text Platner's public Kik account featured a shirtless profile picture of the aspiring Maine lawmaker that showed some of his tattoos, though not the one with Nazi links that he has now covered up He later added: 'Any of those who feel let down, or disappointed, or disillusioned, it is my job to earn your trust, faith and support.' Wilson's criticism came during a broader discussion about political polarization, a subject he said is tearing apart American public life. The actor argued that both parties routinely apply different standards depending on who is accused of wrongdoing, fueling cynicism among voters and deepening national divisions. He said Americans are increasingly frustrated by partisan warfare and eager for leaders willing to apply consistent principles regardless of political affiliation. 'The partisan divide and toxic partisanship, and corruption in partisanship, is something that the American people are very passionate about,' Wilson said. 'The people want this fixed. There is an outcry from people. They want it fixed.' Platner is now the Democrat nominee after Governor Janet Mills dropped out of the race and will face Rep. Susan Collins (pictured) in the general Graham Platner and his wife Amy Gertner The actor also argued that faith and spirituality remain overlooked areas of agreement between Americans despite the country's increasingly bitter political climate. 'There's not any topic that has more commonality and mutuality than spiritual ideas,' Wilson said. 'The ideas around spirituality have kind of been weaponized in terms of the national discussion, but actually the two sides have more in common than you would think.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. 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