Rep. Nancy Mace is demanding a retraction and threatening legal action after New York Magazine falsely named her as the person who allegedly sexually harassed Alex Cooper, sparking controversy over media accountability.
At a Glance
- New York Magazine mistakenly named Rep. Nancy Mace instead of Nancy Feldman in an article and social post about harassment allegations by Alex Cooper.
- Cooper, host of “Call Her Daddy,” accused her former Boston University soccer coach of sexual harassment in a new Hulu documentary.
- Mace labeled the error a “lazy, dangerous typo,” demanded a retraction on X, and threatened legal action for defamation.
- The outlet’s error spread rapidly online and stayed uncorrected for at least an hour.
- The incident has triggered accusations of careless journalism and political weaponization of media mistakes.
Journalistic Misfire
New York Magazine published a story and promoted it on X claiming that Alex Cooper accused someone named Nancy Mace of sexual harassment—a clear case of misidentifying Rep. Nancy Mace instead of the real coach, Nancy Feldman.
Cooper’s allegations involve her former Boston University soccer coach during her 2013–15 stint at the university, who she said made inappropriate comments and attempted physical advances, as revealed in the Hulu documentary Call Her Alex. The post naming Mace lingered online for about an hour before being deleted, amplifying concern over misinformation and reputational harm.
Reaction and Ramifications
Rep. Nancy Mace took immediate action, calling the mistake “lazy, dangerous” and demanding a public retraction from New York Magazine on X (formerly Twitter). She warned the outlet to “take it down or lawyer up,” framing the misidentification as both defamatory and politically charged. The controversy has sparked fierce debate, especially given Mace’s outspoken profile on Capitol Hill and her previous critiques of media institutions.
Supporters and pundits swiftly rallied in Mace’s defense, with one user writing that New York Magazine should “lose their journalism license”. Critics of the magazine have accused it of either negligent editing or subtle ideological bias, especially given the politically sensitive nature of sexual misconduct accusations.
Political and Media Implications
The blunder has reignited concerns about media accountability in the digital age, where speed often eclipses accuracy. Legal experts suggest Mace could have grounds for a defamation suit if malice or reckless disregard is proven. Meanwhile, New York Magazine has yet to issue a formal apology or explanation for the error.
More broadly, the episode underscores how a single mistaken name can spiral into a political crisis—especially when amplified by social media. For lawmakers like Mace, the incident also represents a warning about how reputational threats can emerge from even the most seemingly innocuous editorial mistakes.
