Social media influencer, kickboxer and former reality star, Andrew Tate, known for his controversial views on feminism and women, has been charged with rape, human trafficking and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women. He – and his brother Tristan Tate (also charged), along with two other associates – has denied any wrongdoing.
Tate's online content has been the subject of controversy for a number of years, with many women's charities sharing their concerns about his impact on impressionable young boys and men.
Many of his videos contain strong misogynistic language and toxic ideals, encouraging viewers to judge women on the number of people they've slept with, putting forward the idea that women should "bear some responsibility" if they are raped and comparing women to dogs. Essentially, think of hideous bro culture and incel ethics and Tate has long been heralded as the poster child.
The road leading up to Tate being charged has been a long one, and saw both him and his brother, Tristan, consigned to pre-detention in Romania back in April for three months.
Following this, they were moved on to house arrest whilst the authorities continued to investigate allegations that the pair had formed "an organised criminal gang, human trafficking and rape".
Now, an indictment deposited with the Bucharest court states that the four defendants formed an organised criminal group in 2021 to commit human trafficking offences throughout Romania, America and the UK, luring in seven alleged victims by promising them love and marriage.
It is anticipated that the trial will take several years.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK's multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She's grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
