Sunny Hostin faced sharp criticism from her fellow co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin on Tuesday during an episode of ABC'sThe View, as Griffin pressed Hostin over her earlier support for embattled Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner. The discussion erupted after co-host Sara Haines condemned liberals who continue to back Platner despite a series of scandals, including a recent rape allegation. Haines declared that it is a «disgusting time in politics where we decide what we're willing to morally accept based on the jersey you're wearing,» adding that those who «plug your nose» are part of the problem.
Hostin acknowledged that she had been one of those people, stating, «I was one of those people and I said it, if I lived in Maine I would have, you know, plugged my nose and would have voted for him anyway.» She argued that the country is in a time of existential crisis and that Republicans consistently fall in line, while Democrats want to «fall in love» with candidates rather than fall in line. Hostin also pointed to the confirmation of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, noting that a woman had accused Hegseth of sexual assault in 2017 and that he later paid a $50,000 settlement, yet the Republican Party confirmed him anyway.
Griffin, a Republican, countered by saying she condemns anyone credibly accused of sexual abuse, regardless of party. She directly asked Hostin, «You'd be comfortable still voting for Graham Platner if you lived in Maine?» Hostin did not answer the question directly and instead continued to criticize the GOP, mentioning the party's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Co-host Joy Behar eventually intervened in the conversation.
Later in the episode, Hostin said Platner should exit the race, noting that Maine law would allow the Democratic Party to replace him with another nominee. The discussion also featured a heated exchange with former GOP lawmaker Marjorie Taylor Greene, who appeared on the show. Greene had posted on X that victims of rape or sexual assault should report it immediately and not wait years until the person runs for office. Hostin challenged Greene, questioning why she accused the accuser of using «rape for politics.» Greene insisted she supports women who have been sexually assaulted and wants them to have justice, but argued that allegations should be reported early.
Hostin also pushed back on Greene's remark about «consensual sex» in the past, stating, «The fact that someone dates people or has had consensual sex with them previously does not mean that they cannot be raped. Married women can be raped. Sex workers can be raped.»
The controversy surrounding Platner has deepened in recent days. Jenny Racicot, a woman who previously dated Platner, has accused him of raping her in 2021. According to reports from Politico and CNN, Racicot alleged that Platner barged into her home uninvited and intoxicated, and despite her protests, he raped her. The allegation surfaced less than a week before the deadline for Platner to withdraw from the race, after which the Democratic Party would be able to replace him with another nominee.
Platner's campaign has been riddled with scandals since October, including a Nazi-linked tattoo on his chest and accusations from ex-girlfriends of physical abuse. Despite these controversies, many of his supporters had previously doubled down in their support. However, the rape allegation has led to a shift, with top Democratic Senate hopefuls now turning against him.
Hostin's earlier comments on the show had drawn attention. During a June 1 episode, she called Platner a «liar, a racist, an antisemite, and a homophobe,» but argued that Democrats needed to take back Congress. She said, «The only way that we can maybe bring a bit of our democracy back is by having a Congress that functions and that has these checks and balances. And I do think one of the only ways is to win that seat in Maine.» On June 3, she reiterated that she would hold her nose and vote for Platner if it meant taking back Congress.
The tense exchange on Tuesday highlighted the broader dilemma facing Democratic voters and politicians as they grapple with supporting a candidate who has been accused of serious misconduct. Hostin's initial stance and subsequent defense of her position have sparked debate about the moral compromises made in the pursuit of political power.