Shackled Tate brothers in court asking to be released from jail during extradition fight
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MIAMI (AP) -- Defense lawyers for social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate argued Thursday if Romania is OK with them being out of jail as they challenge sex charges, then the U.S. should free them too as they fight extradition to the United Kingdom.
The brothers have remained in a federal detention center in Miami since they were arrested July 18 on rape and sex trafficking charges from the U.K. Their attorneys 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 polarizing internet personalities by promoting wealth, male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire.
On his way into court Thursday, defense attorney Joseph McBride told reporters he hasn't heard of a case where U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis has allowed someone out on bail while awaiting an extradition hearing. But while the odds aren't in their favor, McBride felt like 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 U.K. has until mid-September to provide evidence to the State Department.
Federal prosecutors want to keep the brothers in custody, citing the strong presumption against bail in international extradition cases. The Tates' claims of having multiple passports and access to wealth and influence in numerous countries demonstrate a heightened risk of flight that no amount of bond could overcome.