A federal judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) on Wednesday, ruling that federal law protects her from damages tied to accusations she made on the House floor.
U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said the Justice Department could intervene to make Mace and her staff immune under federal law, citing protections for officials acting within the scope of their jobs. He dismissed the case entirely, noting that the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause shields lawmakers even if accusations harm reputations.
The lawsuit was filed by Brian Musgrave, one of four men Mace labeled “predators” during a February floor speech. She accused Musgrave and others — including her ex-fiancé — of sexual misconduct and voyeurism. Musgrave denied the allegations, saying he never placed or knew of the hidden camera Mace claimed was used to film women.
Mace celebrated the ruling, saying it proved “the US Constitution is the LAW OF THE LAND.” Musgrave’s attorney, Eric Bland, argued the decision unfairly lets politicians smear private citizens without consequence.
Mace recently launched a campaign for governor of South Carolina, making her accusations a centerpiece of her political message.
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