On Monday evening, Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) delivered a deeply personal and emotional speech on the House floor. In a shocking turn of events, Mace accused four South Carolina men of sexual abuse, rape, and voyeurism, not only against her but also other women. The speech lasted nearly an hour and included detailed allegations that have since made headlines across the country.
Revealing Allegations and Personal Testimony
During her speech, Nancy Mace did not hold back. She accused the men of being “predators” and displayed their names and images on a poster board for the public to see. She claimed to have uncovered disturbing evidence, including thousands of intimate photos and videos of women and underage girls taken without their consent.
Mace also shared a painful personal experience of being raped, claiming she was intentionally incapacitated on a night when she blacked out. The congresswoman provided further graphic details, including showing handcuffs, a glass representing the drinks she had that night, and a camera used to secretly film victims at one of the alleged predators' properties.
Investigation and Legal Responses
While the allegations made by Nancy Mace are serious, The Hill reports that the authenticity of these claims has not been independently verified. However, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed an ongoing investigation into one of the accused men since December 2023. No criminal charges have been filed as of now, and the men involved have denied the accusations.
Nancy Mace, in her speech, emphasized that her statements were not mere allegations but facts based on documents she discovered. Her speech was protected by the “speech or debate” clause of the U.S. Constitution, which shields lawmakers from legal prosecution for comments made during official duties.
Controversy Over State Officials
Mace’s accusations also extended to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, whom she criticized for not doing enough to investigate the case. The Attorney General’s office issued a statement denying any involvement or prior knowledge of the allegations. Mace and Wilson are both reportedly eyeing a run for South Carolina governor in 2026, which has led some to speculate that the conflict might be politically motivated.
A Historic Speech with Strong Support
The House floor speech, made after votes on Monday evening, is a rare occurrence in a chamber usually reserved for discussing legislation and current events. Mace was supported by several of her colleagues, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), and Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who remained behind her throughout the speech. Mace’s mother and other survivors of sexual assault were also present in the gallery, showing their support.
At one point, Mace and her supporters wore red stickers that said “survivor,” a symbol of unity among those who have faced similar trauma.
Nancy Mace’s Advocacy for Women’s Rights
Throughout her political career, Nancy Mace has been an outspoken advocate for women’s rights. Her past experiences, including being a rape survivor, have shaped her stance on policies and legislation, especially regarding the protection of women and girls. Mace has frequently spoken out against rape and sexual abuse while also pushing back on issues related to transgender rights, particularly concerning transgender women in women’s restrooms.