Social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate are allegedly facing threats of violence while in U.S. custody, according to their lawyer, Joe McBride. The brothers were arrested by U.S. Marshals last week and are awaiting extradition to the United Kingdom, where they face a combined 59 charges, including rape and human trafficking.
McBride stated after a hearing on Monday that the public's sentiment is fueling a dangerous environment for the Tate brothers in jail. "The public is green-lighting for them to get murdered in jail," McBride told reporters. He added that other inmates refer to the brothers with derogatory terms, comparing their treatment to that of Jeffrey Epstein, and that they "have a target on their back that's very, very real."
The charges in the UK accuse Andrew Tate, 39, and Tristan Tate, 37, of abusing women between July 2010 and August 2017. Andrew Tate faces seven additional counts of rape, three counts of facilitating sexual exploitation trafficking, three counts of assault, and 19 charges related to indecent images of children and extreme pornography. Tristan Tate is charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and three counts of facilitating sexual exploitation trafficking.
Both brothers have denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Their defense team is seeking documents submitted by UK officials to secure the extradition, asserting they cannot file for bail without them. The UK has until September 16 to provide the necessary paperwork, and the defense plans to file a motion for the brothers' release on August 5.
The Tate brothers, who are dual U.S. and British citizens, moved to Romania in 2016. They gained a significant following, particularly among young men, by promoting a lifestyle associated with luxury and what critics describe as misogynistic views. Andrew Tate has amassed millions of followers on X but has been banned from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for violating hate speech policies. His controversial statements have included comments on victim responsibility in sexual assault cases and criticisms of mental health treatment.
In Romania, the brothers were also charged in 2022 with offenses including sex with a minor, human trafficking, money laundering, and operating an organized crime group, which they deny. Their lawyer Jackie Perczek argued against claims that the brothers are a flight risk, noting their consistent return to Romania over three years while awaiting trial there, despite international travel.
Hours before his arrest, Andrew Tate posted on X, referencing ongoing legal proceedings in Romania and suggesting that Romanian authorities were monitoring his social media activity. Associates posting on his behalf have also raised concerns about prison conditions in the U.S., claiming a lack of clean drinking water and alleging proximity to an inmate with severe mental health issues. Andrew Tate has identified himself as an American citizen in these posts.