Andrew Tate, a prominent figure in the "manosphere," has been hit with 19 new charges in the United Kingdom, including allegations of possessing indecent images of a child and extreme pornography, according to reports. The controversial influencer and his brother, Tristan Tate, are currently in U.S. federal custody in Miami, where they are contesting their extradition to the UK to face these and other charges.
Britain's Crown Prosecution Service brought the new charges, which also include seven new counts of rape, three of sex trafficking, and three of assault against Andrew Tate. His younger brother, Tristan, faces one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and three counts of sex trafficking. These 38 new charges reportedly stem from allegations made by four accusers over a period between July 2010 and August 2017.
The brothers appeared in a federal courtroom in Miami on Monday, where their legal team stated they would fight extradition. Both Andrew and Tristan Tate have joint U.S. and British nationalities.
Legal representatives for the Tates described the extradition attempt as a "political kidnapping" and expressed confidence that their clients are innocent. "They've never done nothing wrong. They shouldn't be extradited for crimes they didn't commit. It's garbage. It's a stitch-up job," stated Joseph D McBride, one of the brothers' lawyers, to reporters outside the courthouse. McBride estimated that a decision on extradition could take approximately 60 days.
According to unsealed documents from Bedfordshire Police, both brothers are accused of choking women, at times to the point of unconsciousness, before allegedly raping them. One accuser claimed Andrew Tate visited her home and choked her to the point where she feared for her life. Tristan Tate is accused of regularly assaulting a woman he was dating between 2012 and 2013, including allegations of giving her a black eye and whipping her with a belt.
Prior to these new charges, Andrew Tate was already facing 10 charges in the UK, including rape, assault, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution. Tristan Tate had previously been charged with rape, assault, and human trafficking. The brothers were arrested in Miami on Saturday. They have been residing in Romania since 2016, where they are subject to a separate criminal investigation involving allegations of human trafficking, rape, forming an organized criminal group, and money laundering.
The Tates are reportedly being held in solitary confinement in federal custody in Miami. Their next court hearing is scheduled for July 27. A final decision on their extradition is expected to be made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
