Nancy Mace’s Former Fiancé Sues Over Sexual Assault Allegations

South Carolina Congresswoman’s Ex-Fiancé Files Lawsuit Alleging Fabricated Assault Claims

The former fiancé of Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina filed a lawsuit Thursday claiming she fabricated sexual assault allegations against him as part of a coordinated scheme. Patrick Bryant’s legal action represents the latest development in an increasingly contentious dispute between the former couple, who ended their relationship in November 2023.

According to local reports from WCSC, Bryant’s lawsuit directly challenges allegations made in a May legal filing by a woman identified only as “Jane Doe.” That earlier lawsuit claimed Doe was sexually assaulted in 2018 at the home of Eric Bowman and that Bryant and another man filmed the incident – allegations Mace referenced during a speech on the House floor earlier this year.

Bryant’s counter-lawsuit contends that he is the actual victim in the situation. He alleges Mace collaborated with Bowman’s estranged wife to manufacture the assault allegations involving Doe, who previously worked for Bryant. The lawsuit further claims that Mace suspected Bryant of infidelity during their relationship and had attempted to hack his phone.

At the core of Bryant’s allegations is the claim that Mace and Bowman’s estranged wife worked together to convince Doe that they had discovered a video of her being “gang raped” on Bryant’s phone. The lawsuit states that despite Doe allegedly having no recollection of such an incident, Mace insisted she possessed evidence.

“What Mace did not tell Doe is that she concocted an entire false narrative of an assault, to blackmail Bryant, gain leverage in their separation proceedings, and try to ruin Bryant for her personal gain,” the lawsuit reportedly states.

Bryant is suing for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Rep. Mace strongly refuted Bryant’s claims in a statement posted on social media Friday morning. “I will release evidence on Monday proving predator and alleged rapist Patrick Bryant from my floor speech is once again lying to the court in his frivolous complaint,” Mace wrote. She added that Bryant had recently been sanctioned “for weaponizing the court against me and rape victim Jane Doe.”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Mace further asserted, “It’s almost as if Patrick Bryant is trying to write me another check. I just got him sanctioned in court. And rape victim Jane Doe and I are still waiting on him to pay our legal fees after he weaponized the court against us.”

Bryant defended himself on Facebook, writing, “I have never assaulted or raped any woman.” He characterized the situation as one where he has “had to stay quiet while completely false accusations were spread about me” for nearly two years.

“Mace continues to frame herself as a victim, while she was one of the people who originated these claims and helped push them forward,” Bryant wrote. “She now tries to hide behind the privileges of her office, but this has nothing to do with governing. It’s a completely personal attack.”

The legal battle comes during what has already been a turbulent period for Mace, who has become one of the more visible and controversial members of Congress since her election in 2020. The South Carolina representative has frequently made headlines for her political positions and public disputes.

Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures are notoriously difficult to prove in court, requiring evidence of actual malice or knowing falsehood. This case is further complicated by its connection to sensitive allegations of sexual assault and the political profile of one of its central figures.

The dispute is expected to continue escalating, with Mace promising to release evidence on Monday and both parties showing no signs of backing down from their respective positions.