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In a stunning and highly personal speech delivered on the House floor, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) accused four South Carolina men, including her former fiancé, of being “predators” who engaged in acts of sexual abuse, voyeurism, and misconduct against herself and other women. The hour-long speech, delivered Monday evening, was a dramatic departure from typical congressional remarks, as Mace displayed photos of the accused, used props to illustrate her claims, and fiercely condemned those she says violated her trust, a report by The Hill‘s Emily Brooks and Mychael Schnell revealed yesterday.
“You have bought yourself a one-way ticket to hell. It is nonstop, there are no connections, so I and all your victims can watch you rot in eternity,” Mace declared. She called her speech “Iron Sharpens Iron,” a biblical reference, and accused South Carolina officials of failing to investigate her claims adequately.
Serious Allegations and a High-Stakes Fallout
During her speech, Mace detailed disturbing accusations, including discovering thousands of intimate photos and videos of women and underage girls that were taken without consent. She also alleged that she was sexually assaulted after blacking out following two drinks, a situation she believes was the result of being “purposefully incapacitated.”
To emphasize her claims, Mace used various visual aids, including a pair of handcuffs, saying, “If anyone would like to arrest me for standing up for women, here are my wrists.” She also held up a glass to illustrate the small amount of alcohol she consumed the night she lost consciousness and revealed a hidden camera she claims was used for voyeurism by two of the alleged perpetrators.
While Mace asserted she has evidence to back up her claims, she has yet to present it publicly.
Criminal Investigation Underway
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed that an investigation into Mace’s ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, was opened in December 2023 following a referral from U.S. Capitol Police. “Since that date, SLED has conducted multiple interviews, served multiple search warrants, and has a well-documented case file that will be available for release upon the conclusion of the case,” the agency said.
Bryant, however, denied the allegations, stating, “I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name.”
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against Bryant or the other men Mace named. Some of the accused have denied the allegations and are reportedly considering legal action against Mace.
Legal Protections for Mace’s Speech
Mace’s decision to name her alleged abusers on the House floor carries significant legal implications. Under the Speech or Debate Clause of the U.S. Constitution, members of Congress are broadly protected from prosecution for statements made as part of their legislative duties.
In a press release following her speech, Mace invoked this protection, stating, “Any and all statements made by Members on the House Floor are quintessential ‘legislative acts’ and protected by the Speech and Debate Clause afforded under the Constitution of the United States.” She went further, saying her statements were not mere allegations but “facts based on information she uncovered and documents she accidentally discovered.”
Political Fallout and Criticism of the South Carolina Attorney General
Mace used her speech to criticize South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (R), accusing him of failing to properly investigate her claims. Wilson, who is considered a potential rival to Mace in the 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial race, forcefully denied her accusations.
“Ms. Mace either does not understand or is purposefully mischaracterizing the role of the Attorney General,” Wilson’s office said in a statement. “At this time, our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters.”
The statement added, “It is clear that Attorney General Alan Wilson has built his career on protecting the most vulnerable in our state; any statement otherwise is blatantly false and politically motivated.”
An Unprecedented Scene in Congress
Mace’s speech stood out not only for its emotional weight but also for its rarity. House floor speeches are generally reserved for policy discussions, tributes, or legislative matters, making Mace’s deeply personal remarks highly unusual. The chamber was largely empty during her speech, but she was joined by a small group of Republican colleagues, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), and Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), as well as members of her staff.
Mace’s mother and survivors of sexual assault watched from the gallery, many of them wearing red stickers that read “survivor,” a gesture Mace initiated by placing one on her chest during her speech. She also handed stickers to some of her colleagues, who wore them in solidarity.
Mace’s History of Advocacy for Sexual Assault Survivors
Mace has long been outspoken about her own experiences with sexual violence, previously sharing that she was raped as a teenager. She has cited this experience while advocating for exceptions to anti-abortion laws and has made combating sexual assault a key part of her political identity.
However, her recent advocacy has also drawn controversy. In the past several months, she has vocally opposed transgender women using women’s restrooms, often clashing with Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress. During her speech, Mace included several legislative measures aimed at restricting transgender women’s access to women’s spaces, framing them as efforts to protect women and girls.
What Comes Next?
The legal and political ramifications of Mace’s speech remain unclear. While she is protected from defamation lawsuits for statements made on the House floor, her public accusations have already triggered investigations and denials from those she named. As the SLED investigation continues, the case could take on greater significance if law enforcement finds corroborating evidence.
