Mace’s Ex-Fiancé Sues Over Assault Claims

Washington,,Dc,-,February,29,,2024:,U.s.,Rep.,Nancy,Mace

Patrick Bryant, the former fiancé of U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), filed a defamation lawsuit against the congresswoman in November 2025. The lawsuit, filed following their November 2023 separation, alleges that Mace fabricated sexual assault claims against him and used her office to advance personal disputes over property.

Story Highlights

Patrick Bryant filed a lawsuit in November 2025 claiming Rep. Nancy Mace fabricated sexual assault allegations against him.
Bryant’s complaint alleges Mace, along with others, conspired to use the false claims to blackmail him and gain leverage in a property dispute after their breakup.
The lawsuit challenges Mace’s use of the House floor in February 2025 to publicly accuse Bryant of assault and non-consensual recordings, arguing it was an abuse of legislative immunity.
Court filings reportedly claim the alleged victim, identified as “Jane Doe,” expressed uncertainty as to whether an assault occurred.
Representative Mace has promised to release evidence and stated that Bryant poses a safety threat to the alleged victims.

Overview of Allegations and Legal Action

In November 2025, Patrick Bryant, the former fiancé of Representative Nancy Mace, initiated a defamation lawsuit in South Carolina. The suit contests public statements made by Mace, alleging that she fabricated claims of sexual assault against him. The lawsuit further alleges a conspiracy by Mace and her associates—identified in court filings as Ali Berg and Melissa Britton—to use the false allegations for blackmail and to secure favorable terms in a property dispute following the couple’s separation in November 2023.

Nancy Mace’s ex claims she fabricated sexual assault allegations in plot with friend’s estranged wife: report https://t.co/yLx40ioBoO

— Fox News Politics (@foxnewspolitics) November 7, 2025

Focus on Congressional Immunity

A central point of contention in the lawsuit is Mace’s use of the House floor in February 2025, where the South Carolina Republican accused Bryant of assault and of filming non-consensual recordings. Bryant’s lawsuit argues that Mace’s statements were made under the protection of congressional immunity, which shields lawmakers from legal action for statements made in their official capacity, and alleges this privilege was abused to pursue a personal vendetta and damage his business reputation. The November 2025 filing directly challenges the extent of this legislative immunity.

Disputed Victim Account

Court documents filed by Bryant’s legal team reportedly include claims that the alleged victim, referred to as “Jane Doe,” expressed uncertainty about whether a sexual assault had taken place during the 2018 incident in question. The alleged plot described in the lawsuit centers on this 2018 event at Eric Bowman’s residence, suggesting that Bowman’s estranged wife was involved in the alleged scheme to concoct the false assault claims.

Pattern of Misconduct Allegations and Mace’s Defense

Bryant’s legal team has also alleged a pattern of misconduct by Mace following their breakup, including the unauthorized access of his phone to extract personal data.

In response to the lawsuit, Representative Mace has maintained her position, promising to release evidence related to the claims while simultaneously asserting that Bryant poses a safety threat to the alleged victims. The case is expected to examine the boundaries of legislative privilege and the accountability of elected officials in personal disputes.

Watch the report: U.S. Rep. Mace makes BOMBSHELL allegations on House floor against ex-fiancé