Mon Mar 10 10:40:00 UTC 2025: ## South Carolina Congressman Accuses Ex-Fiancé and Others of Rape, Sparks Defamation Lawsuit

**Charleston, SC** – A South Carolina businessman, Brian Musgrave, is suing Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) for defamation after Mace publicly accused him and three other men of rape and sex trafficking during a fiery speech on the floor of the US House of Representatives.

Mace, during a 53-minute address last month, displayed a placard with Musgrave’s name and photograph, labeling him a “predator.” She accused her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, of rape and alleged that he, Musgrave, and two other men recorded sex acts without consent. Mace claimed to have found over 10,000 videos and photos on Bryant’s phone.

Musgrave vehemently denies Mace’s accusations, stating he has never committed any of the alleged acts nor witnessed them. He admits to being a friend of Bryant’s and owning a condo with him, but says the condo’s security camera, which Mace may have referenced, was in plain sight and he had no access to its footage. Bryant and another of the accused men have also denied the allegations. SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) is currently investigating Bryant.

Musgrave’s lawyers argue that Mace’s actions, including posting the speech and placard on social media, constitute defamation and exceeded the protections afforded by the Speech or Debate Clause of the US Constitution. They are demanding a retraction and apology, and have offered Mace and her team the opportunity to discuss the matter outside the context of the House floor. Mace’s response, relayed through a representative from the House General Counsel, cited the ongoing SLED investigation and directed any evidence requests to the agency.

The incident has had a devastating impact on Musgrave and his family, causing significant reputational damage and uncertainty about their future. Mace, who has previously spoken openly about her own experience with rape, has not responded to requests for comment beyond referring to her House speech. The legal battle promises to be contentious, raising questions about the limits of free speech for elected officials and the potential for abuse of the legislative platform.

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