Dana White faces backlash for welcoming Andrew Tate & Tristan Tate at Power Slap event in Las Vegas
Courtesy: X
Dana White has once again found himself at the center of controversy after greeting Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate at the Power Slap 12 event in Las Vegas. The UFC president welcomed the pair, who are facing sex trafficking charges in Romania, with an enthusiastic message: "Welcome to the States, boys."
Andrew and Tristan were recently granted permission to leave Romania after a court approved modifications to their travel restrictions. While their case remains ongoing, procedural delays have prevented the prosecution from moving forward.
“Welcome to the States, boys.”
Dana White, President and CEO of UFC and a board member of META, warmly greets Andrew and Tristan Tate. pic.twitter.com/MEf6t7LayVDespite the allegations, Andrew Tate continues to maintain his innocence. "We live in a democratic society where it’s innocent until proven guilty and I think my brother and I are largely misunderstood," he told reporters at the event. "There’s a lot of opinions about us that go around on the internet. We’ve yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives ever. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet."
The Tate brothers' arrival in the U.S. has already drawn mixed reactions. Kanye West reportedly extended a controversial interview invitation, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly stated that the brothers are "not welcome" in his state.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer turned social media personality, remains a divisive figure due to his misogynistic views and far-right-leaning rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Dana White’s Power Slap League continues to gain traction, but his decision to embrace the Tate brothers has sparked criticism. Many have accused the UFC president of legitimizing the pair despite their legal troubles. However, White has never been one to shy away from controversy, and it remains to be seen whether he will address the backlash.
As the Tate brothers continue to make headlines in the U.S., the outcome of their legal case in Romania remains uncertain. Their presence at high-profile events like Power Slap suggests they have no plans to keep a low profile amid the ongoing scrutiny.