South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace made headlines on May 20, 2025, during a House Oversight Committee hearing by displaying a non-explicit nude silhouette of herself, claiming it was recorded without her consent by her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, as part of broader sexual abuse allegations. The shocking move, described by Mace as a stand for victims, intensified her accusations against Bryant and other men, including business associates, for secretly filming women and engaging in misconduct. As Democrats and Republicans clash over the stunt’s propriety, the controversy underscores tensions around political rhetoric, women’s rights, and congressional immunity, raising questions about justice and accountability in Washington.
Mace, speaking as a survivor of sexual assault, alleged she discovered on November 5, 2023, that Bryant had filmed her and others without permission, including acts of rape, cataloging the footage. “Real men guard a woman’s privacy; predators harvest it,” she declared, vowing to expose Bryant’s actions. Posts on X reflected polarized sentiment, with supporters praising her courage to protect victims, while critics called the display inappropriate for Congress. Bryant’s attorney denied the allegations, arguing Mace’s claims, made under congressional immunity, shield her from defamation lawsuits, a point legal experts like Anil Sharma question, noting immunity’s limits in civil cases.
The hearing follows Mace’s February 2025 House floor speech accusing Bryant of physical abuse and non-consensual recordings, claims reiterated in posts on X where she pledged to show evidence. Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, cautiously supported Mace’s victim advocacy but criticized the hearing’s sensationalism, fearing it distracts from oversight duties. Republicans like Mark Green backed her, framing the issue as a fight against predatory behavior, though some privately worried about alienating moderates. “Congress isn’t a courtroom,” said analyst Priya Desai, questioning whether Mace’s approach undermines legislative decorum or amplifies survivors’ voices.
Mace’s history of controversy— including a dropped assault charge against a foster care advocate in April 2025 and threats from a transgender activist—adds context. Her outspoken stance on transgender issues, including a bathroom ban push, has drawn both ire and support, with critics arguing her hearing stunt fuels divisive narratives. Supporters, however, see her as a fearless advocate, especially after surviving threats and a Capitol incident she claimed caused lasting injuries, though charges were dismissed.
The allegations’ legal path remains unclear. No charges have been filed against Bryant, and Mace’s immunity complicates defamation claims, leaving victims’ recourse in question. The hearing’s impact on Mace’s 2026 re-election looms, with South Carolina voters split.
