MIAMI — Andrew and Tristan Tate will fight extradition to the United Kingdom, their lawyer has confirmed, after the brothers appeared in a Miami federal court for the first time since their arrest on rape and sex trafficking charges.
The controversial social media influencers were arrested on Saturday over a UK extradition request. British authorities have now brought 38 new charges against the pair, in addition to 21 existing charges, relating to alleged offences between July 2010 and August 2017.
The Charges
Andrew Tate, 39: Seven further counts of rape, multiple trafficking and assault offences, plus charges relating to "indecent images of a child and extreme pornography"
Tristan Tate, 38: Two counts of rape, sexual assault and trafficking offences
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had identified four additional alleged victims.
Court Appearance
The brothers, normally photographed in tailored suits, appeared in tan jail uniforms and handcuffs before Magistrate Lauren Louis. Another hearing was set for next Monday. Legal proceedings are expected to take around 60 days.
Lawyer's Defence
Speaking outside court, lawyer Joseph McBride described the further charges as "salacious and defamatory," calling them "despicable, meritless, heinous and atrocious" and accusing prosecutors of attempting to "poison the jury pool."
McBride dismissed the case as a "political witch hunt" and "filth and slander," suggesting the timing was linked to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister and the brothers' recent meetings with "friends in Washington, DC." He raised the possibility of US President Donald Trump intervening, arguing "he was elected to fight against this kind of nonsense."
Extradition Process
While a US district judge can consider whether conditions are met for extradition, the ultimate decision falls to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The State Department has granted nearly every British extradition request since a strengthened treaty was ratified in 2007.
Background
They were arrested in Romania in 2022 over allegations of luring women for sexual exploitation — charges they deny. They have repeatedly claimed violent and misogynistic statements were taken out of context or intended as jokes.