Shackled Tate brothers ask to be released from jail during extradition fight

Defence lawyers for social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate argued that Thursday if Romania was OK with them being out of jail as they challenged sex charges, then the US should free them too as they fought extradition to the United Kingdom.

The brothers have remained in a federal detention centre in Miami since they were arrested July 18 on rape and sex-trafficking charges from the UK. Their lawyers have argued that their high profile and active social media presence make it nearly impossible for them to flee.

The Tates have become among the world’s most polarising internet personalities by promoting wealth, male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire.

On his way into court on Thursday, defence lawyer Joseph McBride told reporters he had not heard of a case where US Magistrate Lauren Louis had allowed someone out on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing. But while the odds were not in their favour, McBride felt that the truth was.

“They have never run away from the law. They have leaned into the court process everywhere they go. They are innocent men. They are free men. They are good men,” McBride said.

No date for an extradition hearing has been set. The UK has until mid-September to provide evidence to the State Department.