WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCIV) — Rep. Nancy Mace, during a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, displayed what she described as photos of her naked body that her ex-fiance allegedly took of her without her consent.
Mace has accused her ex-fiance, Patrick Bryant, and three other men of sexual abuse and other sex crimes during a House floor speech in February. Her actions during the explosive speech set off a legal firestorm, leading to Brian Musgrave, one of the men accused, filing a lawsuit against the sitting Congress member for defamation. Mace has also filed a lawsuit against one of the men she accused, Eric Bowman, for defamation.
Mace, a three-term member of Congress, shared a nude still image from a video of herself during a hearing on “surveillance in private spaces.”
READ MORE | “Rep. Mace sues Eric Bowman for defamation over alleged false social media claims.”
Mace alleged that Bryant repeatedly took photos of women naked and “filmed rape,” according to a transcript of her opening remarks.
Bryant, since February, has continued to deny the accusation Mace has levied.
“Nancy and I were in a relationship for 3 years and engaged to marry each other,” Bryant said in a statement to News 4 in February. “I loved and believed in her, which is why the betrayal and lies are especially hurtful. I strongly deny all of her criminal allegations and take this matter very seriously. I am prepared to fully cooperate with any legal proceedings to clear my name and set the record straight.”
Bryant, on Tuesday, again affirmed his denial of Mace’s claims.
I categorically deny the false and outrageous claims made by Nancy Mace. I have never raped anyone. I have never hidden cameras. I have never harmed any woman. These accusations are not just false—they are malicious and deeply personal,” Bryant said in a statement posted on Facebook. “Nancy Mace made these claims only while standing in Congress, purportedly shielded by legal immunity. If she believed them to be true and there was evidence to support her accusations, she would say them outside the chamber—away from her public role and protections and pursue them through proper legal channels. She has not done so, because she cannot.”
After the hearing, Mace then took to social media, claiming her experience is proof that the United States needs stronger laws surrounding voyeurism.
“We need laws with teeth. We need survivors with standing. And we need to leave predators with nowhere left to hide,” Mace said on X.. “Today, I choose daylight. I invite every member of this House to step into that light with me, to pass these bills, and to prove that in the digital age, liberty still lives where Americans stand as our forefathers promised.”
READ MORE | “SLED confirms investigation into Rep. Mace’s sexual abuse claims after House floor speech.”
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed it opened an investigation regarding allegations of assault, harassment, and voyeurism on Dec. 14, 2023, pertaining to Mace’s claims.
“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,” a statement from the law enforcement branch said. “This active and ongoing investigation is complex and has involved multiple lawyers. Once the investigation is completed, it will be sent to a prosecutor for review.”
SLED began the investigation after being contacted by the United States Capitol Police.
Bryant said he is cooperating with SLED in the investigation.
