Romanian prosecutors have escalated their criminal investigation into internet personality Andrew Tate by adding charges of instigating hatred and discrimination against women. The move comes as part of an ongoing probe that has yet to reach trial.
Background of the Investigation
Tate and his brother Tristan have been under criminal investigation on charges including human trafficking since December 2022. Both brothers, former kickboxers with dual U.S. and British citizenship, have denied all wrongdoing. Initially held in police custody, they were later placed under house arrest, which was subsequently relaxed to regular check-ins with police. In April, a Romanian court lifted all preventative judicial control measures against them.
New Charges and Allegations
Prosecutors from the anti-organized crime prosecuting unit (DIICOT) announced they have extended investigations under the charge of continued inciting to hatred or discrimination. They allege that Tate instigated the public to hatred and discrimination against women through several speeches promoted on social media between 2021 and 2024.
In response, Tate took to social media platform X, stating: "DIICOT in Romania is attempting to charge me with speech violation crimes for jokes I've made on my emergency meeting podcasts. An American citizen being indicted for speech. See you in court."
Ongoing Legal Troubles
The Tate brothers also face British arrest warrants and will be extradited after Romanian trial proceedings finish, as ruled by a Romanian court. In Britain, Tate faces 10 criminal charges, including rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution for gain, according to the UK's Crown Prosecution Service.
A self-described misogynist, Tate has amassed millions of online fans by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics argue involves denigrating women. The new charges add to the mounting legal challenges for the controversial influencer.
