Topline
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday an active criminal investigation into brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate, levying the probe after the influencers, who are charged with rape and human trafficking in Romania, returned to the U.S. last week and stirred pushback from conservative critics including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The investigation was announced Tuesday. (Photo by Alon Skuy/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesKey Facts
Uthmeier said in a statement he ordered the execution of search warrants and subpoenas against the brothers after “a thorough review of the evidence,” though he did not elaborate what specific crimes or misconduct the Tates were under investigation for.
Uthmeier told reporters Tuesday the Tates have “publicly admitted to participating in what very much appears to be soliciting, trafficking, preying upon women around the world,” adding “in Florida, this type of behavior is viewed as atrocious.”
The active criminal investigation comes about a week after the brothers arrived in Florida from Romania, after their Romania-enforced travel ban was lifted by local authorities who were reportedly pressured by the Trump administration.
Andrew, a self-proclaimed misogynist, tweeted shortly after Uthmeier’s announcement he was being attacked, adding prosecutors are “trying to find crimes on an innocent man.”
Tristan also chimed in after the announcement, claiming Letitia James, the attorney general of New York, “is after me,” though it is unclear why the tweet was directed at the New York attorney general and not Uthmeier.
James’ office declined to comment and the Tate brothers’ lawyer, Joseph McBride, did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
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What Have The Tate Brothers Been Charged With?
The brothers, who are dual U.S.-British citizens, have been charged with human trafficking of minors in Romania linked to a criminal group they allegedly formed in 2021. They also face charges of rape and money laundering in the country and have denied all allegations against them. The Tates have also been charged with rape and human trafficking in the U.K, which they have denied.
Key Background
The Tates arrived in Florida last week to much scrutiny. DeSantis said his office was not involved or notified of the brothers’ return to the U.S., telling reporters, ““Florida is not a place where you’re welcome with that type of conduct in the air.” Uthmeier said not long after the Tates arrived his office began a “preliminary inquiry” into the influencers. Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro also pushed back against the Tates’ return to the U.S., saying in a tweet, “America does not need more self-proclaimed pimps and terror supporters with outstanding criminal allegations of sex trafficking and a history of pornographic distribution.” Outside of their criminal charges, the Tate brothers have faced public backlash from their digital content, which has broadcast verbal attacks against women. Andrew, a self-proclaimed misogynist, has said women belong in the home and that rape victims should “bear responsibility” for the attacks against them, according to The Guardian.
Further Reading
Andrew Tate And Tristan Tate Land In Florida After Their Travel Ban Is Lifted—Though DeSantis Says They’re Not Welcome (Forbes)
Conservatives—From DeSantis To Ben Shapiro—Blast Arrival Of Andrew Tate, Allegedly Helped By Trump (Forbes)
Andrew Tate Can Have $3.4 Million Seized From Him And His Brother Over Unpaid Tax, UK Court Rules (Forbes)
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