WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., called on Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to apologize to Maine voters and donors for championing Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine, following explosive sexual assault allegations that have rocked the candidate’s campaign.

Fetterman made the remarks Monday on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” sharply criticizing Sanders for promoting Platner, whom he described as a “predator” and “communist.”

“Bernie Sanders needs to apologize to the voters of Maine and everyone that donated to that train wreck,” Fetterman said. “More than anyone, he pushed P Hustle into the election. And now, he keeps pushing these communists and awful anti-American people.”

Platner, a progressive candidate endorsed early by Sanders, faces allegations from Jenny Racicot, a Maine woman who dated him, that he raped her in 2021 after entering her home uninvited while intoxicated. Racicot detailed the claims in interviews with Politico and CNN. Platner has denied the allegations.

Fetterman referenced prior controversies surrounding Platner, including reports of a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, offensive social media posts, and accusations of abusive behavior toward women.

“Bro, you are an accused rapist,” Fetterman said, addressing Platner. “What did Democrats see in this guy? The Nazi tattoo, the way he roughs up women?” He added that Platner “will be remembered as an accused rapist” and called him a “trash bag.”

The Pennsylvania senator suggested Sanders and other progressives who backed Platner should “humble themselves” and reconsider endorsing such candidates.

Sanders, who had strongly supported Platner as a “working-class” candidate, later recommended that he step aside amid the allegations. Top Senate Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, have also called for Platner to withdraw from the race against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

The scandal has jeopardized Democrats’ chances in a key Senate race. Platner won the Democratic primary earlier this year despite earlier controversies.