Rep. Nancy Mace Sues Businessman Over Defamation Claims on Social Media
In Charleston County, South Carolina (WCSC), Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace has filed a lawsuit against a Sullivan’s Island entrepreneur for alleged defamation. The complaint alleges that the businessman deliberately disseminated misinformation regarding her following her public accusation of him as a sexual predator.
Related story: Mace addresses domestic abuse and sexual assault accusations during her speech on the House floor.
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 claim of inadvertently discovering "evidence of rape, non-consensual images and videos of women and minor girls," including herself. Each of the four individuals has publicly refuted these claims.
The lawsuit — submitted on May 12 in Charleston County — contends that Bowman has responded to the congresswoman by sharing "clearly inaccurate claims" on his X platform (previously known as Twitter). This action was taken with the deliberate intention of depicting her as unsuitable for public service to both the constituents of the first congressional district and the wider public audience.
"Bowman utilized his individual X account to consistently claim, without providing any evidence, that Representative Mace misused her role on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to improperly direct or affect the allocation of contracts with the VA towards her acquaintances, colleagues, and political supporters," stated the legal representatives for Mace.
Apart from 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.
"Due to their inherently damaging nature, these clearly untrue factual claims harm Representative Mace and weaken both her capacity to perform the responsibilities of her position and the public's trust in her capabilities," the lawsuit states.
Bowman criticized the legal filing 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 are based on documents, public records, witness testimonies, and information provided by her own team—provide proof of hacking, extortion, improper use of personal imagery, misused taxpayer funds, and reprisals against competing VA contractors," Bowman stated. "These postings can still be accessed publicly on my X account (@_ericbowman) for those interested in reviewing them. My actions were carried out with integrity and devoid of ill intent, 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. "The Constitution establishes a high 'actual malice' standard for public figures suing those who criticize them. I am certain that the First Amendment—and verified evidence—will hold up. One cannot rely on Nancy Mace.
Mace is pursuing compensation of at least $7,500 along with any applicable punitive damages.
You can view the complete complaint here:
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