Melody Duncan, the wife of U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan, a Republican from South Carolina, has filed for divorce and accused her husband of having at least one extramarital affair while they were married. Melody Duncan also accused her husband of having an affair with another woman. Melody Duncan states in her petition for divorce that her husband had many relationships and left their house to live with another woman, known as Liz Williams, who is apparently a lobbyist in Washington, District of Columbia. Melody Duncan also claims that her husband cheated on her throughout their marriage.
In his political career, Jeff Duncan has portrayed himself as a “strong advocate for life and traditional family values.” Since December 1988, he has been married to Melody, and during that time, he has presented himself as such.
According to the lawsuit for divorce, Duncan revealed to his wife and others, including their boys and members of his staff, that he was having an extramarital affair with Liz Williams while they were married. The lawsuit also makes reference to an event that Duncan held called the “Faith and Freedom BBQ,” during which he reportedly referred to Melody as a “loving and supportive wife” only days before he is said to have left to live with his paramour.
In her case, Melody Duncan asks for a number of different types of relief, such as permanent and periodic alimony, custody of their marital house, and payment of attorney’s expenses and fees, among other things.
Jeff Duncan has been a member of Congress since 2011, when he was elected to represent South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District. He is presently the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security. In 2024, he will be running for reelection.
In response to requests for comment on the issue, neither the office of Jeff Duncan nor the lawyers representing Melody Duncan immediately replied.