A new documentary titled "The Closetocracy" released on Thursday by the activist group Swamp Watch levels accusations against the late Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Graham, who passed away suddenly in July, faces posthumous claims from three men who claim they were paid for sexual encounters with him.

The film includes interviews with the men, identified as Kelvin, another unnamed individual, and Taylor Snider, a trans woman and former escort. Kelvin claims one encounter occurred when he was 17 years old. He describes Graham insisting on confirmation of his age and allegedly recording the interaction. The accusers provide specifics on locations, payments, acts performed, and alleged text messages, along with travel records that align with Graham's schedule.

The documentary presents these details through on-screen displays of the claimed messages and timelines cross-referenced with publicly available Senate travel data. Snider alleges a 2015 meeting arranged via an online ad, during which Graham reportedly requested to be the receptive partner. The production shows copies of what are described as payment receipts and hotel confirmations tied to the dates in question.

These allegations build on longstanding rumors about Graham's sexuality that he consistently denied throughout his career. The documentary frames the claims within the "closetocracy" concept introduced by Hunter Biden in July. Biden coined the term while on a podcast, stating the biggest problem in Washington is not oligarchy but closetocracy. He claimed everyone in D.C. knows the individuals involved. Biden described a "closeted gay mafia, largely Republican," arguing that internal conflict over hidden identities leads to anti-LGBTQ policies. Graham was explicitly named as an example.

The production echoes styles common in progressive media outlets like The Young Turks. Founded in 2002 by Cenk Uygur as a radio program on Sirius Satellite Radio, The Young Turks transitioned to online streaming and YouTube, becoming a leading left-wing populist commentary platform. It maintains a strongly progressive stance, supporting figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while criticizing the GOP and conservative individuals. Media bias analyses rate it as left-biased with mixed factual reporting.

Critics of the documentary note the absence of independent corroboration, such as photos, videos, or third-party witnesses directly linking Graham to the encounters. The timing is also pointed out as intentional; the release of the allegations coincides with efforts by Graham's sister, Darline Graham, to retain his Senate seat in the November 3 election. The focus on unproven personal allegations diverts attention from policy debates on issues like immigration, spending, and cultural matters. The focus on sensational elements, rather than verified evidence tying private conduct to legislative actions, have also cast scrutiny on the veracity of the claims.

The term 'closetocracy' itself has sparked debate, with some viewing it as an unsubstantiated smear against conservatives while others say it is a commentary on perceived hypocrisy.