Self-described misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and brother to face US criminal investigation

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced the launch of a criminal investigation into self-proclaimed misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate. This follows the brothers' arrival in the United States last week, after facing rape and human trafficking charges in Romania.

Reportedly, this marks Andrew Tate's first departure from Romania since his arrest in 2022. "These individuals have publicly admitted to engaging in what is clearly pimping, trafficking, and preying on women around the world," stated Attorney General Moody, emphasizing the severity of the allegations.

"This is an ongoing criminal investigation, and we will use every available resource to ensure that justice is served," she added. Romanian prosecutors allege that Andrew and Tristan Tate, along with two women, established a criminal organization in the Eastern European country and the UK in early 2021, sexually exploiting multiple victims.

Upon arriving in Fort Lauderdale last week, Andrew Tate told reporters that he and his brother had done nothing wrong and were "largely misunderstood." He asserted, "We live in a democratic society, and we are innocent until proven guilty." The Bucharest government has indicated that the Tate brothers, who hold British and American citizenship, are required to return to court on March 24. Failure to appear could result in "preventative arrest."

Separately, four British women have accused Andrew Tate of rape and coercive control in a civil case in the UK. They recently expressed concerns that the U.S. government might assist the Tate brothers in evading justice. In a joint statement, the women stated that they were "re-traumatized by the news that the Romanian authorities bowed to pressure from the Trump administration to allow Andrew Tate to travel."

Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu stated that Richard Grenell, an envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, raised the case at the Munich Security Conference in February. Trump denied knowledge of his administration advocating for Andrew and Tristan Tate last week. "I know nothing about it," Trump told reporters, "We'll find out."

A Romanian court has approved the UK's request to extradite the Tate brothers, but only after the legal proceedings in Romania have concluded. Andrew Tate moved to Romania years ago after founding a webcam business in the UK. In 2016, he gained notoriety after appearing on the UK reality show "Big Brother," but was removed after a video surfaced showing him attacking a woman. Subsequently, he turned to social media platforms, promoting his often misogynistic and divisive path to success.

Andrew Tate has been banned from Instagram and TikTok for his views but has over 10 million followers on X, where his posts often contain homophobic and racist content.