The alleged victims of sexual violence by Andrew Tate are ‘absolutely distraught’ after hearing that Donald Trump’s officials are lobbying to lift travel restrictions against the social media influencer.
The former professional kickboxer was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and creating a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.
Andrew alongside his brother Tristan was charged in 2023 for the offences.
He is also facing a civil case in the UK from four women who have alleged rape and coercive control between 2013 and 2016.
Police in the UK are seeking extradition for the two brothers as part of an investigation into allegations of rape and human trafficking, The Guardian reported.
Now reports are suggesting that officials close to Donald Trump’s administration have urged Romanian authorities to allow the brothers to travel during the ongoing proceedings.
Matthew Jury, a lawyer representing four alleged victims of Andrew Tate, told BBC Newsnight the victims were ‘distraught’ at hearing the news.
He said: ‘They are absolutely distraught, if you can imagine these are women who are victims of the most horrible and horrific alleged crimes. To see the most powerful man in the world support their alleged abuser is incredibly traumatising.
Matthew Jury, a lawyer representing four alleged victims of Andrew Tate said Tate’s accusers were ‘distraught’ over US officials having a call with the influencer
Andrew Tate (right) and his brother Tristan (left) are currently under house arrest in Romania
Donald Trump’s officials allegedly mentioned the case against the Tate brothers in a call with the Romanian government
‘They are absolutely bewildered as to why the Trump administration has decided to interfere in this way.’
The brother’s case was reportedly brought up by US officials in a phone call with the Romanian government last week.
A source told the Financial Times that officials asked for passports to be returned to the Tate brothers.
Emil Hurezeanu confirmed the Tate brothers’ case had been raised in a call from the US.
Mr Jury added: ‘The message needs to be very clearly communicated that the criminal proceedings in Romania and in the UK should be allowed to take place and run their course in an ordinary fashion without interference. This is not politics, this is about due process and a fair trial
‘The Romanian Prime Minister has said the Americans have not demanded or requested anything, but we know
‘We know there is a great deal of support for Tate, I’m not clear as to why that is.
‘Either they don’t know or don’t care about the nature of the allegations and how serious they are.
‘These are the most serious allegations of human trafficking, rape, serial rape, the trafficking of minors and the rape of a 15-year-old girl. It doesn’t get more serious than that.
Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Matthew Jury said he does not understand the US support for Andrew Tate
Andrew Tate still faces criminal proceedings in both Romania and the UK
‘To see the Trump administration lobbying for this man’s release, interfering with due process in Romania, but worse interfering with due process in the UK.’
Andrew Tate moved to Romania after first starting a webcam business in the UK.
In 2016, Tate appeared on ‘Big Brother’ in Britain but was removed after a video emerged showing him attacking a woman.
He then turned to social media platforms to promote his divisive views.
Giving tips on how to be successful, along with misogynistic and sometimes violent maxims, Tate’s videos have made him one of the world’s best-known influencers.
His account ‘Cobratate’ on X has more than 10 million followers.
Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate deny the allegations made against them.
