By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-07-20 19:41:36 | Updated at 2026-07-24 08:14:59
3 days ago
Andrew Tate (R) and his brother Tristan Tate arrive at an event in Miami on April 11, 2026. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo
Andrew and Tristan Tate appeared in court in Florida on July 20 after being arrested over the weekend, as British authorities attempt to extradite them on rape and sex trafficking charges.
The brothers, who are social media influencers, were arrested on Saturday.
Monday’s appearance in federal court in Miami was their first since their arrest, and in the coming weeks, a U.S. district judge will consider whether they meet conditions for extradition. Another hearing is set for July 27.
The ultimate decision about whether to order the extradition will fall to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
UK prosecutors said on Sunday that they are prosecuting Andrew Tate, 39, on more than two dozen counts, including rape, assault, and arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, on top of previously announced charges.
Tristan Tate, 38, is being prosecuted for an additional one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape, and three counts of sex trafficking. He had been facing 11 counts, including three counts of rape.
The alleged incidents took place between July 2010 and August 2017.
The Crown Prosecution Service said it has requested extradition of the Tates and that the defendants have the right to a fair trial.
Joseph McBridge, an attorney for the Tates, said in a statement that “the world knows Andrew and Tristan Tate are innocent.”
He added later that “this is a political hit ordered by a dying empire that fears two free men with a microphone more than it fears actual criminals walking its streets.”
Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are dual U.S.-British citizens, have millions of followers online and post about a range of subjects, including kickboxing, financial wealth, and masculinity.
They were arrested in 2022 in Romania and accused of participating in criminal schemes to lure women for sexual exploitation.
They denied those allegations, and the Romanian case has not gone forward because of legal and procedural problems. The case hasn’t been closed, and there is also a separate legal case against the brothers in Romania.
British police had sought the Tates’ extradition to the UK once their legal proceedings in Romania concluded.
But in February 2025, they were allowed to leave Romania after authorities lifted travel restrictions, and they flew to Florida on a private jet.
McBridge said on Sunday that “there is a long-standing agreement between the UK and Romanian governments that the UK would not seek extradition while the Romanian proceedings are pending” and that the arrests of his clients violated that agreement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
