Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan landed in Florida on Thursday after Romanian authorities temporarily lifted their travel ban and eased restrictions on their assets. The brothers, who face serious criminal charges in Romania, flew from Bucharest to Fort Lauderdale on a private jet.
Andrew Tate, a self-described “misogynist influencer,” and Tristan were arrested in Romania in 2022. They are accused of rape, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, and money laundering. Their trial is ongoing.
The brothers departed from Băneasa Airport in Bucharest early Thursday morning and arrived in Florida around 11 a.m. local time. After immigration officials processed their paperwork, Andrew Tate briefly spoke to reporters, declaring his innocence. The pair then left the airport in a large SUV.
Romanian prosecutors approved the brothers’ travel request but emphasized that they remain under judicial supervision. They must return to Romania for their next court appearance on March 24. Failure to comply could result in stricter measures, authorities warned.
In Florida, state officials announced a preliminary inquiry into the Tates. State Attorney General James Uthmeier stated on social media that Florida has “zero tolerance for human trafficking and violence against women.” He added that if any alleged crimes fall under Florida’s jurisdiction, the state will hold the brothers accountable.
Governor Ron DeSantis also weighed in, saying, “Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct.”
Meanwhile, a Romanian court restored ownership of several assets to the Tates, including luxury cars, properties, and bank accounts, which had been seized in 2023.
The brothers, who hold dual British and U.S. citizenship, are vocal supporters of former President Donald Trump. Several Trump allies, including Donald Trump Jr., have criticized their prosecution, calling it “absolute insanity.” Elon Musk also commented on Andrew Tate’s political ambitions, suggesting he might run for UK prime minister.
The Tates’ lawyer, Paul Ingrassia, who also serves as a White House liaison for the U.S. Department of Justice, claimed the brothers were unfairly targeted. “They were sacrificed on the altar of the Matrix,” he said.
The brothers’ legal troubles began in 2022 when Romanian authorities accused them of forming a criminal gang to exploit women. A second investigation launched in August 2023 added charges of trafficking minors and producing pornography. The Tates deny all allegations.
UK authorities have also sought their extradition over sexual assault allegations dating back to 2012. However, a Romanian court ruled that local proceedings must conclude first.
Four British women who accuse Andrew Tate of sexual abuse expressed dismay over his departure from Romania. In a joint statement, they said they felt “retraumatized” and feared he would use his freedom to intimidate witnesses and spread his “violent, misogynistic doctrine.”
Their lawyer, Matthew Jury, criticized the U.S. for potentially influencing Romania’s decision to lift the travel ban. “To see the most powerful man in the world support their alleged abuser is incredibly traumatizing,” he said.
Romanian officials denied any pressure from the U.S. regarding the Tates’ case. Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu confirmed that Richard Grenell, a Trump envoy, had expressed interest in the brothers’ situation during a recent security conference but insisted there was no interference.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer, has been banned from multiple social media platforms for hate speech and misogyny. However, he maintains a large following on X (formerly Twitter), where he promotes an ultra-masculine lifestyle criticized for demeaning women.
In Florida, Andrew Tate dismissed the charges against him, blaming “media spin, smears, and lies” for his legal troubles. “We’ve yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives,” he said. “In a democratic society, it’s supposed to be innocent until proven guilty.”
It remains unclear where the Tates are staying or whether they will meet with Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Florida this weekend.
The case continues to draw international attention as the brothers navigate their legal battles in Romania and the U.S.
Related topics:
- Qantas Group Reports Strong H1 2025 Results: Fleet Renewal Boosts Shares by 11%
- The Tasman Hotel Appoints Caroline Smith as New General Manager
- AI Boosts Flight Centre Travel Group to $117m Profit in H1 FY2025
