In Video: Rep. Nancy Mace makes abuse allegation in speech on House floor
Congresswoman Nancy Mace Accuses Four Men of Heinous Crimes, Including Her Ex-Fiancé
"Let the Bridges I Burn This Evening Light Our Way Forward"
In a dramatic and emotional speech, Congresswoman Nancy Mace took to the House floor to publicly accuse four men, including her ex-fiancé, of committing heinous crimes against women, including herself. Using the platform, Mace spoke outside of the constraints of formal investigations and allegations, stating "I’ve spoken to the darkness, and I will continue to speak about it."
Mace alleged that her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, was at the center of a scheme that involved rape, filming women and young girls without their consent, and other forms of sexual exploitation. She claimed that she discovered the evidence on her ex-fiancé’s phone, which she asserts she stumbled upon while uncovering the truth.
"I Have Seen the Darkest Corners of Humanity"
Mace’s accusations were met with swift denials from the four men she accused, with each of them calling the allegations "untrue" and "baseless." Bryant, in particular, vehemently denied the claims, stating, "I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name."
The Naïveté of Deliberate Delays?
In her speech, Mace also targeted South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, whom she accused of making deliberate delays in investigations and potential malfeasance. Wilson responded, stating that Mace had her facts wrong and that she never voiced any concerns about her case, which he was unaware of. He emphasized that if she had raised concerns, he would have been shocked since he was unaware of an investigation.
The Political Context and Constitutional Protections
As a sitting congresswoman, Mace enjoys significant constitutional protections under the speech and debate clause, which safeguards her legislative activity from potential legal retribution. It appears that Mace consulted with a lawyer to ensure her speech was constitutionally protected, particularly given its connection to the introduction of legislation aimed at protecting women.
The Investigation
Notably, only one of the accused men is currently under active criminal investigation, which focuses on allegations of assault, harassment, and voyeurism. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirms the probe, but no charges have been filed to date.
The Fallout
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Mace’s bold accusations will unfold. While some have questioned her motivations and the weight of her evidence, others laud her courage in using her platform to address the very real issues of gender-based violence and exploitation. One thing is clear, however: Nancy Mace’s speech has undoubtedly shaken the political landscape and ignited a wider conversation about the need for accountability and justice.
