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Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) delivered a shocking and deeply personal speech on the House floor Monday evening, publicly accusing four men of s-xual ab-se, r-pe, and voy-urism. In an extraordinary moment for Congress, Mace displayed their names and photos on a poster board as she condemned them as “pred-tors” and vowed justice.
Speaking for nearly an hour, Mace claimed that she and other women were victims of these men, alleging that thousands of explicit photos and videos were taken without consent. She also revealed that she had been r-ped after blacking out one night, believing she was intentionally dr-gged.
“You have bought yourself a one-way ticket to hell. It is nonstop, there are no connections, so I and all your victims can watch you rot in eternity,” Mace declared, titling her speech “Iron Sharpens Iron.”
Throughout her remarks, Mace used multiple props to emphasize her claims. She held up a glass to show the size of two drinks she consumed before blacking out, displayed handcuffs, and presented a hidden camera she said was discovered on a property owned by two of the accused men.
Despite the graphic nature of her statements, Mace insisted she had evidence to support her claims but has yet to publicly present it.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed that one of the men named by Mace has been under investigation since December 2023. Authorities launched the probe after being contacted by U.S. Capitol Police following Mace’s initial reports of the alleged ab-se.
“Since that date, SLED has conducted multiple interviews, served multiple search warrants, and has a well-documented case file that will be available for release upon the conclusion of the case,” the agency stated.
However, no criminal charges have been filed against the accused men, some of whom have denied the allegations. Several have suggested they may pursue legal action against Mace for publicly naming them.
A key legal question surrounding Mace’s speech is the “speech or debate clause” of the U.S. Constitution, which grants members of Congress broad immunity from prosecution for statements made while performing legislative duties.
In a press release following her speech, Mace invoked this protection and defended the credibility of her claims.
“Any and all statements made by Members on the House Floor are quintessential ‘legislative acts’ and protected under the Speech and Debate clause of the United States Constitution,” the statement read. “Her statements tonight are not conjecture, they are not allegations, they are facts based on information she uncovered and documents she accidentally discovered.”
Mace used part of her speech to criticize South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson (R), accusing him of failing to investigate and prosecute the alleged crimes.
She suggested Wilson had neglected his duty to pursue justice for victims and expressed frustration with his handling of s-xual assault cases in the state.
Both Mace and Wilson are reportedly considering gubernatorial bids in South Carolina for 2026, making the public clash particularly significant.
In response, the South Carolina Attorney General’s office issued a firm denial, calling Mace’s accusations “categorically false.”
“Ms. Mace either does not understand or is purposefully mischaracterizing the role of the Attorney General,” the statement read. “At this time, our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters. Additionally, the Attorney General and members of his office have had no role and no knowledge of these allegations until her public statements.”
The office further defended Wilson’s record, arguing that he has built his career on protecting vulnerable communities in South Carolina. “Any statement otherwise is blatantly false and politically motivated,” the statement added.
Mace’s emotional speech was an unusual sight in the House chamber, where lawmakers typically focus their remarks on legislation, policy issues, or constituent honors. She delivered her remarks after voting had concluded for the day, when the chamber was largely empty.
However, several Republican colleagues, including Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), and Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), sat behind Mace as she spoke. Some staffers and a small number of House members were also present.
Mace’s mother and a group of s-xual assault survivors watched from the gallery, offering visible support for her testimony.
During the speech, Mace placed a red sticker reading “Survivor” on her chest—a symbol her staff had prepared. She then distributed similar stickers to Boebert, Burchett, and Luna, who wore them in solidarity. Others in the gallery also put on the stickers as a show of support.
Mace has made advocacy against rap- and sex-al abuse a cornerstone of her political identity, frequently referencing her personal experiences. She has previously spoken about being rap-d as a teenager while advocating for exceptions in anti-abortion legislation.
In recent months, Mace has also been vocal in opposing transgender women’s access to women’s spaces, particularly restrooms. She has taken direct aim at Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender member of Congress, while promoting legislation she argues is designed to protect women and girls.
In her speech Monday, Mace referenced several bills aimed at restricting transgender women’s rights, tying them into her broader argument about protecting women from sex-al violence.
Mace’s speech has set off intense debate, with reactions divided along political and legal lines. While her supporters praise her courage in exposing alleged predators, critics question the lack of presented evidence and her use of congressional protections to publicly accuse individuals without legal recourse.
The outcome of the ongoing law enforcement investigation could determine whether Mace’s claims gain further traction or if they face significant legal challenges. As the situation unfolds, the controversy is expected to shape both her political future and broader discussions on sex-al assault and legislative accountability.
