In a newly revealed court filing, an email from Congresswoman Nancy Mace to a presiding judge shows her name-dropping the President to explain her absence from a scheduled hearing. The correspondence was made public as part of the defamation lawsuit filed against her by her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant.
The email, dated March 9, was sent to Judge Hocker, who is overseeing the case. In it, Mace stated she was "OCONUS" (Outside the Continental United States) and declined to specify her location, citing safety concerns. She added, "If I’m back in time, I’ll be at White House Thursday upon the invitation of the President."
Mace, who had been representing herself pro se at the time, mentioned she was planning to hire new counsel. "Hopefully, my bit with new attorneys is open and shut," she wrote. "Sincerely and most respectfully, It’s been real and I’ll miss this email thread and will miss preparing those pleadings myself. You should hear something soon."
The judge responded, seeking clarity: "Rep. Mace: I am a little confused. Are you asking for a continuance? Will you have counsel on board by Thursday?"
The lawsuit dates back to November 2025, when Bryant accused Mace of defaming him by alleging he sexually assaulted a woman in October 2018 and recorded the incident—claims he says are baseless. The two were engaged until November 2023. Bryant further alleged that Mace, driven by paranoia, conspired with others to falsely brand him a rapist.
As the legal battle unfolds, the email offers a glimpse into Mace's interactions with the court and her efforts to juggle political obligations with personal litigation.