U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace has made shocking allegations against her ex-fiancé and three other men, claiming they committed horrific sexual crimes against herself and numerous other women. During her speech delivered on the House floor on February 11, 2024, she recounted her distressing discovery of over 10,000 videos and photos portraying acts of rape and non-consensual filming of women and underage girls in her South Carolina district.
"I accidentally uncovered some of the most heinous crimes against women imaginable," Mace stated emphatically, underscoring the severity of the situation. She accused her former fiancé, Patrick Bryant, along with his associates, of orchestrated acts of exploitation and violation against vulnerable victims, disclosing graphic details of the assaults she claims to have faced.
Mace, who has been candid about her past experiences with sexual assault, expressed her outrage over the alleged misconduct. Her speech highlighted systemic failures within law enforcement and the legal system, particularly targeting South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for his perceived inaction on the allegations.
"Women who come forward in your system are treated like criminals under your leadership," Mace admonished Wilson, emphasizing her frustrations after allegedly presenting evidence for months without significant action being taken against the accused men.
According to her, the traumatic events leading up to her decision to publicize these allegations began on the night of November 13, 2023, when she was reportedly assaulted by Bryant. It was following this incident, she claims, when she gained access to his phone, which unveiled shocking evidence of exploitation.
"I turned up the volume to hear if there was audio. I heard my voice. I zoomed in on the video. And the woman was me," Mace recounted tearfully during her nearly hour-long speech. This discovery left her horrified and compelled her to discuss her situation publicly.
Despite the gravity of her claims, none of the allegations have been independently verified, and Patrick Bryant issued a swift denial. "I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name," he stated.
Mace has indicated she is contemplating running for governor of South Carolina by 2026, positioning her statements within the political arena and illustrating the complex intersection between personal experience and public service. Throughout her political career, she has worked on numerous legislative efforts aimed at protecting women, including bills addressing voyeurism and sexual abuse.
Following her speech, support flooded from various corners, with fellow Republican lawmakers standing behind her to amplify her message. Mace encourages other victims of sexual assault to find their voice and hold perpetrators accountable, declaring, "You have the bravery necessary... to hold those accountable for their horrific abuses against you."
Attorney General Wilson's office responded to Mace’s accusations, labeling them "categorically false" and asserting they had no prior knowledge of the claims until Mace's public declarations. Wilson's spokesperson highlighted the office's long-standing commitment to combatting sexual crimes and supporting victims, reiteratively dismissing the allegations of negligence.
Despite the contentious political atmosphere surrounding the allegations, Mace's forward stance aims to reassess the conversation around sexual assault, advocating for women's rights and push for systemic change. "Today, I’m going scorched earth. So let the bridges I burn this evening light our way forward," she proclaimed defiantly.
While the future remains uncertain, with investigations possibly underway, Mace’s candidatory approach to her experiences sheds light on the enduring struggles of many women who have faced similar violations, fueling the debate on legislation, accountability, and the fight for justice.