Nancy Mace Laughs Off ‘Utter Apocalypse’ Over New Arm Tattoos
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace is brushing aside the online uproar surrounding her heavily tattooed arms after revealing the ink publicly for the first time during the launch of her new YouTube show.
The 48-year-old South Carolina Republican showed off the tattoos while promoting “Get Maced,” her new program focused on politics and current events. Mace had gotten the tattoos months earlier but generally kept them covered with long sleeves during public appearances.
Photos and video of Mace’s new look quickly spread across social media, attracting reactions from both conservatives and liberals. Some users mocked the congresswoman, while others defended her decision to change her appearance.
Mace appeared amused rather than bothered by the attention. After conservative commentator Laura Loomer came to her defense, Mace responded by joking about just how much controversy her arms had generated.
“The utter apocalypse over my biceps is funny,” Mace wrote.
Mace previously revealed that she received nine tattoos during what she described as an extremely turbulent period in her personal and professional life. She said the tattoos became a way for her to reclaim control over her identity and body following several difficult experiences.
The congresswoman has publicly discussed the collapse of her engagement, turmoil involving former staff members and serious allegations she has made about experiences in her personal life. She has described herself as dealing with significant emotional trauma while navigating those controversies.
Her former fiancé has sued Mace over allegations she made against him. Some of Mace’s accusations were delivered on the House floor, where lawmakers generally receive constitutional protection under the Speech or Debate Clause for legislative speech.
The tattoos remained mostly hidden until Mace began promoting her new YouTube venture. An introductory montage for “Get Maced” featured the congresswoman showing her tattooed arms along with footage of her posing in a bikini.
The new media project comes as Mace prepares to leave Congress in January. She unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina, finishing fifth in the GOP contest.
Mace has long cultivated a combative political persona, frequently battling Democrats, Republicans and members of the media. The reaction to her tattoos appears unlikely to change that approach, with the outgoing congresswoman treating the social media firestorm as another controversy she is more than willing to confront publicly.