Bucharest’s Court of Appeals announced on Friday that Andrew Tate, a controversial internet influencer, and his brother Tristan have been released from house arrest in Romania, just ahead of their trial on charges of human trafficking and rape. The court stated that the Tate brothers, along with two Romanian female accomplices, will now be placed under judicial control for a period of 60 days, from August 4 to October 2.
The charges against the suspects stem from a criminal investigation into alleged abuses committed against seven women. However, the Tate brothers have vehemently denied these accusations. Andrew Tate is facing an additional charge of rape, while his brother Tristan has been charged with inciting violence.
According to prosecutors, the Tate brothers allegedly recruited their victims by using deception, claiming to seek genuine relationships or marriage. As the highest-profile suspects to face trial on human trafficking charges in Romania, their case has garnered significant attention.
Andrew Tate gained notoriety as a former American-British kickboxer and rose to internet fame with 11.6 billion views on TikTok. He became known for his controversial rants about male dominance, female submission, and wealth. Amidst numerous scandals, he was even one of the most-Googled people in 2022.
His influence on young minds has been a matter of concern for human rights campaigners, school teachers, and law enforcement officials across different communities worldwide. The CEO of Rape Crisis in England and Wales, Jayne Butler, expressed deep concern over Tate’s promotion of a dangerous ideology of misogynistic rape culture.
In the UK, Tate’s sway over teenage boys from diverse backgrounds has sparked debates in schools and discussions in parliament.
As part of their release conditions, the court in Bucharest has ordered the Tate brothers not to leave the Municipality of Bucharest and Ilfov county without prior approval. They are also prohibited from possessing, using, or carrying weapons and must regularly communicate updates to the court. Additionally, they are not allowed to have any contact with other defendants, witnesses, victims, plaintiffs, or their families during the trial.