Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders says he spoke with Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner and recommended that Platner withdraw from the race following a report alleging sexual assault. Multiple outlets report that Sanders’ comments come after Politico first published the account of a woman who said Platner sexually assaulted her. Sanders, who has been a longtime backer of Platner, says he discussed “the best path forward for Maine” with Platner and, in light of what he characterizes as “very serious allegations,” told him to “step aside.” Platner has denied the allegations, according to the reports summarized by the outlets. Other Democrats have also called for Platner to stand down as the party’s candidate, the Guardian reports, with Sanders joining the growing pressure campaign. The coverage describes Sanders’ remarks as his first public comment after the initial reporting and frames his call as an end to Platner’s campaign.