Rep. Nancy Mace sues man for defamation over social media claims

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has filed a defamation lawsuit against Eric Bowman, one of four men she accused on the House floor in February of being involved in drugging, filming, and sexually assaulting women, including herself. The lawsuit, filed in Charleston County, alleges that Bowman posted a series of objectively false and malicious statements on social media, including claims that Mace abused her congressional position to illegally steer Department of Veterans Affairs contracts to friends and political allies. Mace contends these accusations are baseless and intended to damage her reputation and undermine her ability to serve as a public official. She is seeking at least $7,500 in damages, plus punitive damages, asserting that Bowman acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Bowman has denied the allegations of sex crimes, and all four men named by Mace have publicly denied her claims. The case follows another defamation lawsuit against Mace from a separate individual named in her House speech, highlighting the ongoing legal fallout from her public accusations.