Andrew and Tristan Tate, the controversial influencer brothers, have reportedly boarded a private jet from Romania to the United States, following the lifting of travel restrictions that had kept them in Romania since their arrest in 2022.
The brothers, who hold dual U.S. and UK citizenship, had been facing a series of serious charges including human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and money laundering, all of which they have vehemently denied.
AP
Reports from BBC News and local Romanian media confirmed that the Tate brothers departed Bucharest shortly after 5 AM local time.
The brothers' case gained global attention, partly due to their large online followings and outspoken views, including their vocal support for former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Earlier this month, U.S. officials reportedly requested Romania to ease restrictions on the Tates, including returning their passports, allowing them to travel while awaiting trial.
Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu acknowledged that the issue had been raised by Richard Grenell, an envoy from the Trump administration. Grenell confirmed his support for the Tates, stating:
“I support the Tate brothers as evident by my publicly available tweets,” but clarified that he had not had a formal discussion with Hurezeanu on the matter.
The Tates were initially arrested in Romania in late 2022, along with two Romanian women, on charges of trafficking and forming a criminal gang for the sexual exploitation of women.
In April, a Bucharest Tribunal ruled that a trial could proceed, though a date has yet to be set. However, earlier this year, a Bucharest Court of Appeal ruled that legal and procedural issues had stalled the case, meaning the trial could not proceed, although the case is far from over. The brothers still face separate legal proceedings in Romania.
Tate, a self-described misogynist and Trump supporter, has long been a polarizing figure. He is known for making incendiary statements online, including claiming that Trump was “saving America along with the entire western world.”
Earlier this month, he tweeted: "The Tates will be free, Trump is the president. The good old days are back. And they will be better than ever. Hold on." His release from Romania raises questions about the impact of international politics on legal proceedings.
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The brothers’ departure also came after Romanian officials emphasized that no pressure was placed on the Romanian justice system by the U.S. government.
The country's Ministry of Internal Affairs revealed that the decision to allow the Tates to leave Romania was entirely at the discretion of prosecutors, though it remains unclear under what specific conditions they were allowed to travel.
As their legal battles continue, both the brothers and their supporters are awaiting the next phase of the case, which still looms over their freedom.
Despite multiple setbacks for Romanian authorities, including the recent ruling that stalled the trial, the Tates’ legal journey is far from over, and their fate will likely remain in the spotlight for months to come.
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