SC Rep. Nancy Mace Accused a Man of Sexual Abuse in House Floor Speech. Now, He Is Suing for Defamation.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is being sued by one of the men she publicly named in a speech on the House floor in February, accusing him of sexual abuse. 

During her address, she made allegations against her former fiancé, Patrick Bryant, and three other individuals of committing sex crimes such as rape, sex trafficking, and unauthorized recording of sexual activities involving her and others. This legal matter could potentially revolve around the boundaries of behavior that a current member of Congress is shielded from by constitutional rights in their role as a legislator.

The person filing the lawsuit, Brian Musgrave, has vehemently refuted all accusations brought against him by Mace. Musgrave has clarified that he was not present during any of the incidents detailed by Mace and denied involvement in filming or incapacitating anyone. Claiming that Mace and her associates have adversely affected his and his family’s lives, the lawsuit does not specify a monetary compensation sought, leaving it to the discretion of a jury to determine an amount that serves as a deterrent against similar behavior in the future.


READ MORE: Thoughts on Nancy Mace Speech: Protect, Support, Provide—How a Real Man Treats Women


Although the lawsuit examines Mace’s actions within and beyond the legislative chamber, a leaked version of Mace’s speech circulated on social media. However, the central issue revolves around whether the speech qualifies for protection under the Constitution’s debate clause, safeguarding congressional members from legal repercussions concerning their official duties as lawmakers. This provision encompasses “any speech or debate in either House.” The legal complaint argues that this constitutional clause:

“does not transform the floor of Congress into a sanctuary for defamation, nor does it protect Congresswoman Mace’s extra-Congressional defamatory statements surrounding her speech.”

In the speech that Mace herself described as “scorched earth,” she not only accused Bryant, Musgrave, and the others of sexual abuse, she also stated that she was speaking out about the alleged events because South Carolina Attorney General Allan Wilson had declined to act on evidence that she provided in any of the cases. Wilson also denied any accusations of improper conduct, and said that Mace’s accusations were “categorically false.” He added that he had “no knowledge” of the alleged assaults until Mace’s House floor speech. 

However, after Mace’s speech, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division did confirm that there was an active investigation into Mace’s allegations against Bryant. Bryant has also denied all of Mace’s allegations against him, and released a statement after her speech that read in part, “I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name.”



Mace has become one of the most vocal advocates for keeping biological men out of women’s sports, and protecting women’s private spaces such as restrooms and locker rooms. She has recently introduced the Protecting Women’s Private Spaces Act, the Stop the Invasion of Women’s Spaces Act, and the Prison Rape Prevention Act, which bars transgender women from accessing women’s restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, and prisons. 

There could be a bit of politics being played as well. Both Mace and Wilson, along with South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, are potential 2026 gubernatorial candidates. 

As this is a developing story, RedState will provide updates as they become available.

You May Also Like
Why experts believe there's 'no way' missing student Sudiksha Konanki drowned on beach

Why professionals think it is impossible for the student Sudiksha Konanki to have drowned at the beach.

Missing spring breaker Sudiksha Konanki is unlikely to have drowned after disappearing from…
Ayo Edebiri takes on a pop icon and his cult followers in twisted new thriller 

Ayo Edebiri stars in a gripping new thriller about a pop icon and his devoted fans

LOS ANGELES — If you are a fan of Ayo Edebiri, get…
More than 50 universities face federal investigations as part of Trump's anti-DEI campaign

Over 50 universities under federal scrutiny due to Trump’s efforts against diversity, equity, and inclusion

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion…
‘Severance’s Sarah Bock Unpacks Miss Huang’s Wild Season 2 Ride, From The Severed Floor To Svalbard

‘Breaking Down Miss Huang’s Eventful Season 2 Journey in Severance, from the Severed Floor to Svalbard, with Sarah Bock’

When Miss Huang was initially introduced as the enigmatic new deputy manager…
Subtle signs Vanessa was pining after Tiger as their romance is revealed

Indications Vanessa had feelings for Tiger as their relationship unfolds

According to an exclusive report by DailyMail.com, Vanessa Trump and Tiger Woods…
Chicago Public Schools Board budget amendment public hearings wrap up as officials call on CPS to pay back $175M pension payment

CPS Officials Urge Payment of $175M Pension Obligation Following Conclusion of Public Hearing on Budget Amendment

CHICAGO (WLS) — The battle is heating up between Chicago Public Schools…
Devour Feculence! ‘Severance’s Tramell Tillman Breaks Down Milchick’s Cathartic Confrontation With Mr. Drummond

Breaking down the cathartic confrontation between Milchick and Mr. Drummond in ‘Severance’ with Tramell Tillman

From the challenging gift he received from The Board in Episode 3…
Chicago robberies: Armed robbery suspects with stolen car targeting people in Bucktown, Logan Square and West Town, CPD warns

CPD alert: Armed robbery suspects in stolen car targeting Bucktown, Logan Square, and West Town

Chicago police issued a warning regarding a recent spate of armed robberies…
Chad Michael Murray’s ‘Freakier Friday’ Character Is All Grown Up With Steamy Entrance In Sequel Trailer

Chad Michael Murray’s Character from ‘Freaky Friday’ is now a matured with a sizzling entrance in the sequel trailer.

Disney has finally dropped the trailer for the highly anticipated Freaky Friday…
A SEPTA positive vibes trolley spreads affirming messages to its riders

A trolley from SEPTA shares positive messages to uplift its passengers.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — If you’ve ever taken the Route 36 trolley through…
Couple holds wedding ceremony at Maywood Loyola University Medical Center after groom diagnosed with leukemia, cancer

Couple weds at Maywood Loyola University Medical Center following groom’s leukemia diagnosis

CHICAGO (WLS) — A suburban couple planned for Friday to be a…
Hamas agrees to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage

Hamas to free Edan Alexander, the final American hostage

Hamas agreed Friday to release Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage…