Rep. Mace Displays Photo, Urges Privacy Law Reform

Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina displayed a nude silhouette photo of herself during a House Oversight subcommittee hearing, alleging it was secretly taken by her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant, without her consent. She accused Bryant—who denies the allegations—and three other men of filming and storing thousands of intimate images and videos of women without their knowledge. Mace criticized state Attorney General Alan Wilson for failing to prosecute such cases, a dispute made more notable by their potential gubernatorial ambitions. She advocated for stronger privacy protections and tougher voyeurism laws, citing South Carolina's penalties as inadequate. Mace also urged other victims to come forward, bringing attention to the emotional and constitutional implications of privacy violations. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating Bryant, and the case has drawn national focus to the gaps in legal protections against non-consensual surveillance.