Andrew and Tristan Tate must remain in custody while they fight extradition to the United Kingdom, where they are accused of rape and sex trafficking, a federal judge in Miami ruled Wednesday, according to Headline USA, adapted from the Associated Press.
Judge denies release
U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis denied a defense motion for release, finding the brothers failed to show they are not a flight risk or danger to the community and did not establish special circumstances warranting release. “Having failed to meet these three factors, Respondents’ Motion for Release Pending Extradition Proceedings is DENIED,” Louis wrote, per the report.
Prosecutors argued the brothers are a flight risk because they appear to have significant resources and have bragged about multiple passports, according to the outlet.
Defense calls it a ‘legal contradiction’
In a statement, the Tates’ legal team said keeping them in U.S. custody while the UK seeks extradition creates a contradiction because the brothers are also required to defend charges in Romania. “They are now facing an extraordinary situation in which they are being held thousands of miles from Romania while Romanian proceedings continue, deadlines approach, an additional indictment is said to be imminent and their own Romanian lawyer says he cannot properly prepare,” the lawyers said. They added they are considering whether to appeal the decision.
Brothers deny accusations, say personas are ‘characters’
During a hearing last month in Miami, the Tates denied criminal accusations spanning several countries, criticized their detractors, and described their brash online personas as characters rather than their true selves. They also said they exaggerate claims of wealth to boost social media clout, according to the report.
Where the cases stand
The extradition process could take months. The brothers have been held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami since a brief court appearance two days after their July 18 arrest, the outlet reported. Defense lawyers had asked for release at least until an extradition hearing on the UK charges.
The defense has repeatedly argued that Britain’s request is out of line because a Romanian criminal case is proceeding first. According to the report, Romanian officials have allowed the brothers to remain free pending those proceedings, and the brothers have complied with court restrictions. Earlier this month, Romanian prosecutors brought additional charges, the outlet reported.
Who they are
Andrew Tate, 39, and Tristan Tate, 38, are dual U.S.–British citizens and former professional kickboxers. According to the report, Andrew Tate has described himself as a misogynist and has more than 10 million followers on X. He has been banned from platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for violating hate-speech guidelines, the outlet reported. He also runs an online academy where he says he teaches young men how to make money and attract women.
