Andrew and Tristan Tate, the social media personalities fighting extradition to Britain over allegations of rape, assault and sex trafficking, will remain in jail, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Lauren Louis, a U.S. magistrate judge for the Southern District of Florida, made the decision after an hours-long hearing on Aug. 27 over the brothers’ request for release pending extradition.
Louis wrote that the pair failed to prove they are not flight risks or a danger to the community.
The brothers were arrested on July 18 after British authorities filed a batch of new charges against them. Andrew Tate is facing seven rape charges, three sex-trafficking charges, three assault charges and 19 charges related to indecent images.
Tristan Tate is facing one count of sexual assault, two counts of rape and three sex-trafficking charges. The alleged offenses occurred between 2010 and 2017, according to British authorities.
The brothers argued that their confinement conditions were “so dire as to warrant release,” according to the ruling. They asserted that they have been allowed one hour of outdoor time each weekday, that their beds are too short for them, that they have no access to the commissary and that they are losing weight. Louis noted that according to the prosecution, both had gained weight.
Joseph D. McBride, a lawyer for the brothers, said in a statement that they disagreed with the judge but respected the court.
“Release would acquit them of nothing. It would simply allow them to prepare their defense,” he said.
British authorities have 60 days from the day the Tates were arrested to file a formal request for extradition. The process could take months.
“For fifty-three days, Britain has had the benefit of time. Andrew and Tristan have paid for it with their liberty. On September 16, that time expires. The process has been the punishment. Now produce the evidence,” McBride said.
The brothers have also faced criminal proceedings in the U.S. and in Romania, where they have lived for a number of years. On Sept. 4, Romanian authorities officially indicted them on sex-trafficking and money-laundering charges.
The Tates are self-described misogynists who rose to prominence first as kickboxers, then as influencers in the “manosphere” promoting ideas about masculinity.
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