Andrew and Tristan Tate, dual US and British citizens, are reportedly facing threats of violence while in US Marshals custody, according to their lawyer, Joe McBride. The brothers were arrested last week on an extradition request from the UK, where they face a combined 59 charges, including rape and human trafficking.
McBride stated that the Tate brothers "have a target on their backs" and are at risk of being "stabbed, jumped and murdered" in jail. He alleged that the public is encouraging violence against them, citing instances where inmates have verbally harassed the brothers. "When inmates walk by their cell they get called a word that starts with a 'P' that's more appropriate to [Jeffrey] Epstein and not to them," McBride said.
The pending charges accuse Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 37, of abusing women between July 2010 and August 2017. Andrew faces additional charges including seven counts of rape, three counts of facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault, and 19 charges related to indecent images of children and extreme pornography. Tristan is charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and three counts of facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The brothers, who moved to Romania in 2016, have been prominent figures in the online "manosphere," known for promoting a lifestyle of luxury and espousing misogynistic views. Andrew Tate has amassed millions of followers on X but has faced bans from other platforms for violating hate speech guidelines. His controversial rhetoric has included comments suggesting women should bear some responsibility for sexual assault and graphic descriptions of potential abuse.
In Romania, the Tate brothers were charged in 2022 with offenses including sex with a minor, trafficking minors, money laundering, and operating an organized crime group, allegations they deny. Their defense team in the US has requested that the government provide documents submitted by UK officials to secure the extradition, stating they need these to apply for bail.
The UK has until September 16 to submit the extradition paperwork. The defense plans to file a motion for the brothers' release on August 5. Their lawyer, Jackie Perczek, has refuted claims that the brothers are a flight risk, pointing to their consistent return to Romania over three years while facing charges there. "For three years they haven't fled, for three years they have travelled the world... and every month they get on a plane and they return to Romania," she stated.
Hours before his arrest, Andrew Tate posted on X, referencing ongoing charges in Romania and suggesting authorities were monitoring his social media activity. Since their detention, posts on behalf of Andrew Tate have also detailed alleged poor prison conditions, including a lack of clean drinking water and the presence of a disruptive inmate.