Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, and his brother Tristan Tate are currently traveling to the United States after leaving Romania, where they face serious charges including rape, trafficking minors, and money laundering. Both brothers, however, deny these allegations. The move raises questions about their travel permissions and the future of their legal proceedings.
Andrew, 38, and Tristan, 36, are dual US-UK citizens who claim to have amassed millions through their social media empire. Their content has been controversial, attracting criticism for offensive statements regarding women. In a 2024 report, UK police linked Andrew Tate to the alarming radicalization of boys and young men, contributing to violence against women and girls. The brothers were initially arrested in Romania in 2022 and face separate charges of rape and human trafficking in the UK, which they also deny.
After being under a travel ban in Romania for over two years due to ongoing investigations, the Tate brothers have now departed for the US. Speculation about their departure escalated when they went silent on social media. They boarded a private jet from Bucharest airport, destined for Florida, around 03:00 local time (05:00 GMT).
Romanian prosecutors confirmed that the travel ban had been lifted, and the pair's US passports were returned. However, investigations into their alleged crimes are ongoing. The Tates have a significant following in the US, particularly among the American right. Earlier this year, some alleged victims expressed concern over reports that US officials requested relaxed travel restrictions for the brothers. US special envoy Richard Grenell discussed the Tates with Romania's Foreign Minister at the Munich Security Conference, though the minister did not view this as pressure.
The Tate brothers have yet to comment on their journey to the US, and so far, there has been no response from the Trump administration. The Tates are known to support former President Donald Trump, and Andrew Tate's account was restored on X by Elon Musk after he acquired the platform in 2022.
The legal cases against the Tates in Romania are being rewritten by prosecutors. They were allowed to leave Romania with the condition that they return, potentially by the end of March. While the Tates' request to leave was granted, their plea to have charges dropped was denied. They face charges of human trafficking and rape alongside two Romanian female suspects as of June 2023, which they deny.
In the UK, the Tates face separate charges of rape and human trafficking. A Romanian court ruled they could be extradited to the UK after their Romanian case concludes. Additionally, lawyers for four women claiming assault by the Tates are pursuing a civil case for damages in the UK High Court. The Tates have also been accused of serial tax evasion in a separate UK civil case, which they contest. A representative for the brothers stated that they unequivocally deny all allegations.
