Andrew and Tristan Tate have made a fresh bid for bail in a Miami court as they continue to fight extradition to the UK over rape and sex trafficking charges. The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, have been held in custody since their arrest in July, following further charges brought by UK prosecutors relating to alleged offences between July 2010 and August 2017.
Their legal team has asked a judge to release them on bail after a previous ruling kept them behind bars. Judge Lauren Louis said the pair “have failed to meet their burden to demonstrate that they do not present a risk of flight or danger to the community, or that special circumstances warrant their release”.
Brothers remain in Miami detention
The ruling means the brothers remain locked up in Miami throughout what could prove to be a lengthy legal battle aimed at securing their removal to Britain. The former professional kickboxers have been held at the federal detention centre in Miami since July 18.
The Tates contend that their ongoing detention without bail is unconstitutional and reject claims that they pose a flight risk. Their lawyer, Joe McBride, stated: “Andrew and Tristan are American citizens with no criminal history, and they have spent every day since July 18 in the special housing unit at FDC (federal detention centre) Miami, without a single disciplinary infraction, at the request of a foreign government, on allegations about a decade old.”
Lawyer insists clients are innocent
McBride went on to say: “My clients are innocent, and they intend to vindicate their names in a British court. Until then, the constitution of the United States governs their detention. Live free or die.”
Court documents released earlier this week outlined the prosecution's case against the Tates. UK investigators allege the pair groomed vulnerable women using a “lover boy” model of exploitation before coercing them into producing online pornography through threats and violence.
Denials and public profile
Both brothers have firmly denied any wrongdoing. The Tates remain deeply controversial figures who have amassed a huge online following – predominantly amongst young men and boys – and have faced accusations of promoting misogyny and toxic masculinity.
The extradition process is expected to continue, with the brothers remaining in custody while the legal proceedings unfold.
