South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace found herself in hot water after making a risqu?© comment at GOP presidential candidate Tim Scott's prayer breakfast. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the 13th Annual South Carolina Prayer Breakfast, which was hosted by Sen. Scott and attended by several notable politicians, including Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Russell Fry.

During her speech, Mace shared a personal anecdote about almost being late for the event. "When I woke up this morning at seven, I was getting picked up at 7:45. Patrick, my fianc?©, tried to pull me by my waist over this morning in bed and I was like, 'No, baby, we don't got time for that this morning. I gotta get to the prayer breakfast, and I gotta be on time,'" Mace revealed. She continued with a sheepish grin, "A little TMI, but he can wait, he's got - I'll see him later tonight."

The audience, comprised mostly of conservative Christians, reacted with nervous laughter. Pre-marital sex is generally considered a sin among evangelicals, making Mace's comment particularly controversial in that context. Critics quickly took to social media to express their disapproval. RedState contributor Bonchie tweeted, "She's not religious. Okay. But seriously? At a prayer breakfast? At least respect your audience." Atlantic contributing writer Jemele Hill also chimed in, tweeting, "Prayer breakfasts ain't even slapping like that. Respectfully."

Despite the backlash, Mace's fellow South Carolina Republican, Sen. Tim Scott, has been experiencing a surge in popularity in the Republican presidential primary. According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, Scott currently holds 3% support, putting him in fifth place. However, he has gained traction in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire. In response to criticism from second-place contender Gov. Ron DeSantis, Scott passionately defended the importance of acknowledging the atrocities of slavery. "As a country founded upon freedom, the greatest deprivation of freedom was slavery," he stated. "There is no silver lining in slavery."

As for Mace, she later issued a playful mea culpa, assuring her fianc?© was not upset but jokingly adding that he had suggested she attend church twice that Sunday. Despite the controversy, Mace appeared on Fox News' “Hannity” to discuss the incident. Host Sean Hannity playfully teased her about choosing the interview over going home to her fianc?©. Mace assured him that she would see her fianc?© shortly and thanked him for having her on the show.

The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of personal anecdotes and humor at religious events. While Mace's comment may have been intended as lighthearted, it clearly struck a nerve with some attendees. Only time will tell how this controversy will impact Mace's political career and the ongoing Republican primary race.