Influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate’s “extraordinary notoriety and recognisability” would make it very difficult for them to flee if released from a Miami jail pending extradition proceedings to the UK, their lawyers have said.
The legal team for the controversial pair argued in court documents their clients’ public profile “substantially reduces any risk that they could abscond or evade detection” if freed on bail as they fight their removal to face rape and sex trafficking charges in Britain.
The former professional kickboxers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, have been held in custody since their arrest last month.
They were detained after more charges were brought against them by UK prosecutors.
A hearing to decide whether or not they stay in prison during an extradition process that could last months is currently scheduled for August 13.
One of the lawyers for the men, Joe McBride, sought to invoke the 250th anniversary of America’s independence from Britain in the legal battle.
He wrote on X: “Two hundred and fifty years ago, the British learned what happens when they lay hands on American liberty.
“Apparently, the lesson needs repeating.
“My clients are American citizens, and no warrant signed in Westminster outranks the Constitution of the United States. The King can kiss my Yankee ass.”
Urging the brothers’ release in legal papers lodged with Miami federal court, their lawyers said: “The Tates’ extraordinary notoriety and recognisability is a special circumstance.
“As a practical matter, it would be extraordinarily difficult for Andrew or Tristan to travel undetected or avoid attention, either from the press or law enforcement.
“The Tates are among the most recognisable public figures on the internet with a massive social media following.”
They called for them to be freed on bail on condition that they surrender their passports and submit to location monitoring.
Prosecutors have previously opposed their release, arguing they are a flight risk and pose a danger to the community.
The UK has until September 16 to submit a formal extradition request, according to court documents.
The brothers are deeply divisive figures, who have built a massive online following, mainly among young men and boys, to which they have been accused of promoting misogyny and toxic masculinity.
Last month, Andrew Tate, 39, was charged with seven further counts of rape, three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 19 additional charges for offences relating to indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.
Tristan Tate, 38, was charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the 38 additional charges, in addition to 21 existing charges, relate to alleged offences between July 2010 and August 2017.
The brothers have denied any wrongdoing.
