Summary
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) claims she was assaulted at a foster youth advocacy event, but witnesses describe the interaction as a handshake.
Mace alleges defamation by media outlets disputing her account and warned them to “watch their backs.” She also shared photos of herself in a sling, prompting criticism from a former staffer who called it attention-seeking.
The man involved, James McIntyre, allegedly commented on the needs of trans foster youth during the handshake.
Capitol Police arrested McIntyre, who has pleaded not guilty, while advocates dispute Mace’s characterization.
Ya know what’s great about this article? It opens saying that Mace says she was assaulted and that all the witnesses say that it was a handshake. Then says “Whatever the truth…”. By using that phrasing, HuffPo is literally caving to Mace’s threat of a defamation lawsuit. They’re essentially saying “sure all the witnesses say this was a handshake, but we can’t possibly know the truth” all because they believe her that she will sue the places that report it as the handshake that it was. The decision for this phrasing was likely made by an editor, but it still sucks that they’re acting like we can’t possibly know the truth.