Rep. Nancy Mace Sues Businessman Over Defamation Claims on Social Media
In Charleston County, South Carolina, U.S. Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has filed a lawsuit against a Sullivan’s Island entrepreneur, alleging that the individual deliberately disseminated inaccurate statements regarding her following her public accusation of him as a sexual predator.
Related story: Mace addresses domestic abuse and sexual assault accusations during House floor address
The businessman, Eric Bowman, was among the four individuals mentioned in an inflammatory report dated February 10. speech On the House floor, where she outlined her claims of inadvertently uncovering "evidence of rape, non-consensual photographs and videos involving women and minor girls," including herself as one of the victims. Each of the accused parties has refuted these accusations publicly.
The lawsuit, submitted on May 12 in Charleston County, contends that Bowman has responded to the congresswoman by sharing "clearly untrue claims" on his X platform (previously known as Twitter). This action was allegedly taken with the deliberate aim of depicting her as unsuitable for holding public office before the voters from the state’s first congressional district and the broader public audience.
"Bowman utilized his individual X account to incessantly claim, without providing any evidence, that Representative Mace misused her role on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to illegitimately direct or affect the granting of contracts with the VA towards acquaintances, colleagues, and political supporters," stated the legal representatives for Mace.
Besides her role on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Mace also serves on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee as well as the Armed Services Committee.
The complaint contains several screenshots of posts from Bowman’s account posted between February 27 and March 17, where he implies that Mace has been involved in illegal activities.
"Given their inherent nature, these clearly untrue factual claims harm Representative Mace and weaken both her capacity to perform the responsibilities of her role and the public's trust in her capabilities," the lawsuit states.
Bowman denounced the legal filings as "headline theater" in a statement to News 2 on May 12, asserting that the public "has a right to know the truth."
My postings—which include information from documents, public records, statements from witnesses, and data provided by her team members—provide proof of hacking attempts, blackmail schemes, improper use of personal images, misused taxpayer funds, and reprisals against competing VA contractors," Bowman stated. "These entries can still be accessed on my X profile (@_ericbowman) for those interested in examining them. My actions were carried out with honest intentions and devoid of ill will, and I am prepared to testify about this evidence.
Evidence suggests that Representative Mace’s behavior towards me stems from her connection with my ex-wife, Melissa Britton, and her family," he went on. "According to the Constitution, public officials face a high 'actual malice' standard when they choose to sue those who criticize them. I am certain that the First Amendment—as well as the verified evidence—will hold up. One cannot rely on Nancy Mace.
Mace is pursuing monetary compensation of at least $7,500, along with any applicable punitive damages.
You can view the complete complaint here:
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