Andrew Tate will stand trial on trafficking and rape charges, Romanian court rules

A Romanian court has ruled that the trial of Andrew Tate, an online influencer self-identifying as a "misogynist," accused of human trafficking and rape, may proceed, as announced on Friday.

Tate, along with his brother Tristan and two Romanian citizens, was indicted in June on charges of human trafficking, rape, and involvement in a criminal gang for sexually exploiting women—accusations they have refuted.

Mateea Petrescu, a spokeswoman for the brothers, stated that the court in Bucharest, Romania's capital, has not set a trial date yet, and the Tate brothers have already appealed the decision.

According to Romanian prosecutors, the Tate brothers deceived victims by falsely promising them relationships or marriage.

A police officer escorts Andrew Tate, left, from the Court of Appeal in Bucharest on Tuesday.

Eugen Vidineac, the lead counsel for the Tate brothers, argued that Friday's ruling "lacks legal foundation and reasoning" and mentioned that they have submitted a robust appeal.

Similarly, Adrian Sandulescu, the attorney for the other two suspects, argued that the ruling "is illegitimate and lacks basis."

In March, a Romanian court approved the extradition of the Tate brothers to the United Kingdom – but only after the trial proceedings in Romania have been completed.

The Tate brothers, both former professional kickboxers, were first arrested in December 2022 and kept in police custody until April 2023, before being placed under house arrest.

Tate shot to internet fame in recent years, tallying billions of views on TikTok by ranting about male dominance, female submission and wealth.