Rep. Nancy Mace Exits Epstein Victims Meeting Due to Panic Attack
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) abruptly left a House Oversight Committee meeting on Tuesday, where victims of Jeffrey Epstein were giving their testimonies. She indicated that the emotional weight of their accounts triggered a panic attack, as the committee continues to look into federal lawsuits related to Epstein.
Mace’s emotional response was evident, and as she exited, tears were visible in the committee room during the two-hour session, which included six accusers and the attendance of Chairman James Kommer (R-KY) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Mace has previously shared her own experiences as a survivor of sexual assault.
“As a recent survivor, this has been incredibly difficult for me to hear. I experienced a total panic attack—sweating, hyperventilation, shaking,” she mentioned in a statement. “No one seems to fight for us, which adds to the immense pain we all feel as victims. God bless all survivors.”
The atmosphere in the room was tense, and as Mace walked past reporters visibly affected, Speaker Johnson later described the experience as one filled with both rage and heartbreak. The discussion revealed “additional names” connected to Epstein that might enter into the ongoing investigation.
The meeting took place as there’s growing bipartisan pressure to make federal files regarding Epstein public. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are leading efforts to gather enough signatures for a discharge petition that would compel the House to vote on releasing these files. Mace has joined other Republican officials, including Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), in signing this petition, and Massie praised her for supporting the survivors.
Kanna also commented on the urgency for transparency regarding Epstein’s case, hinting at a significant press conference planned that would involve victims sharing their stories.
Mace’s emotional exit comes as she campaigns for the governorship of South Carolina, emphasizing her focus on protecting women and children. In a recent speech, she highlighted the challenges faced by survivors and her commitment to addressing these issues, recalling past personal experiences.
Furthermore, Mace has defended her emotional reaction against criticism suggesting it was self-centered, insisting that survivors matter, no matter how others perceive their actions. She expressed frustration about the mindset that undermines their struggle for justice.
