Shackled Tate brothers ask to be released from jail during extradition fight
The influencer duo were arrested in Miami to face rape and sex-trafficking charges from the UK
Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate stood in the witness box in federal court on Thursday and said they could not adequately defend themselves from criminal sex charges if they had to remain in a Miami jail while fighting extradition to the UK.
During nearly two hours in a Miami courtroom, the Tates, in shackles and tan jail jumpsuits, denied under oath criminal accusations across multiple countries, blasted their critics and described their brash online personas that exude wealth and excess as characters and not their true personalities.
The hearing ended after eight hours without a decision from US Magistrate Lauren Louis, and the brothers headed back to jail.
Prosecutors said the Tates are liars who exaggerate all the time. Assistant US Attorney Abbie Waxman told a judge that Andrew Tate was accused of choking and holding victims and raping them while Tristan Tate was accused of human trafficking, money laundering and violence against minors.
The brothers also face sex crime charges in Romania and prosecutors said they have contacted witnesses in that case and talked about it on video.
“They promote incredible violence against women consistent with the allegations against them,” Waxman said.