Andrew Tate exaggerates and did not own supercars in photos, his lawyers say
Prosecutors argue Tate and his brother Tristan are a flight risk and should not be released on bail.
Andrew Tate's legal team asserts that the controversial influencer's portrayal of himself as "uberwealthy" on social media, including images of luxury cars and a yacht, was an exaggeration for online engagement and not reflective of actual ownership.
Tate and his brother Tristan are currently in a Florida jail, seeking bail while awaiting extradition proceedings. Their arrest last month followed new charges from British prosecutors, including alleged sexual offenses, which both brothers deny.
Prosecutors have labeled the Tates a "flight risk," citing past statements about their wealth, influence, and use of multiple identities to evade legal action.
In a court submission, the brothers' legal representatives stated that their business model relies on "online attention." The document explains, "The outrageousness of the posts by them and about them is the point. The more hyperbolic and outlandish the post, the more likely it will generate views and likes, which in turn generates income. In short, they are playing a role."
The submission also argues that Andrew Tate's exaggerations and hyperbole were sometimes for "comedic effect" and not meant to be taken seriously.
"The government alleges that the Tates are a risk of flight based on their social media claims that they are 'self-proclaimed billionaires' who own 'high-end vehicles, private jets, and a custom $50-million-dollar superyacht and have unrestricted access to traditional funds, cryptocurrency, and bitcoin,'" the submission notes, adding, "But the government has not established these grandiose claims are true."
Prosecutors, however, contend that both brothers "have significant resources available to them, both in terms of money and in social media networks," and have demonstrated a "propensity to intimidate vulnerable complainants." They also referenced social media posts by Andrew Tate where he allegedly mocked prosecutors and suggested he could conceal his identity to avoid arrest.
The legal submission clarifies that the superyacht mentioned was not owned by the Tates but was promoted by them for payment. Similarly, cars like an Aston Martin and Bugattis featured in their social media content were rented.
"The Tates are engaged in several businesses 'teaching' men how to earn money. It is in their interest to portray themselves on social media as uberwealthy," the document states.
Andrew Tate has frequently appeared in luxury cars in his social media content. The specific supercar pictured in the accompanying image is not mentioned in his lawyers' court submission, and its ownership status remains unclear.
US Marshals arrested the brothers in Miami last month after the UK's Crown Prosecution Service brought 38 new charges against them, including rape and sex trafficking offenses. They now face a total of 59 charges related to alleged offenses between July 2010 and August 2017.
Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, who are dual British-US citizens, have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Tate, a self-proclaimed "misogynist" and former kickboxer, gained prominence after appearing on the British reality TV show *Big Brother* in 2016. He has millions of social media followers and has frequently posted videos showcasing what appears to be an ultra-luxurious lifestyle.