Andrew and Tristan Tate have launched a legal challenge against their continued detention in the United States as they seek to block their extradition to Britain over rape and sex trafficking allegations.
The brothers have petitioned a court in Miami for release on bail after Judge Lauren Louis ruled last month that they should remain in custody while extradition proceedings continue. No date has yet been set for the hearing that will determine whether they are sent to the UK.
Judge's ruling on detention
In her ruling, Judge Louis said the Tates “have failed to meet their burden to demonstrate that they do not present a risk of flight or danger to the community, or that special circumstances warrant their release”.
This means the brothers will remain imprisoned in Miami throughout what could prove to be a lengthy legal process aimed at securing their removal to Britain.
Arrest and charges
The former professional kickboxers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, have been held in custody since their arrest in July. They were detained after further charges were brought against them by UK prosecutors relating to alleged offences committed between July 2010 and August 2017.
The Tates contend that their ongoing detention without bail is unconstitutional and deny that they pose any risk of fleeing.
Lawyer's statement
The brothers' lawyer, Joe McBride, said: "Andrew and Tristan are American citizens with no criminal history, and they have spent every day since July 18 in the special housing unit at FDC (federal detention centre) Miami, without a single disciplinary infraction, at the request of a foreign government, on allegations about a decade old."
He added: "My clients are innocent, and they intend to vindicate their names in a British court. Until then, the constitution of the United States governs their detention. Live free or die."
Prosecution's case
Court documents released earlier this week outlined the prosecution's case against the Tates, with UK investigators alleging the pair targeted vulnerable women using a "lover boy" exploitation method before coercing them into producing online pornography through intimidation and violence.
The brothers have denied any wrongdoing. The Tates remain deeply polarising figures who have amassed an enormous online following — predominantly amongst young men and boys — and have faced accusations of promoting misogyny and toxic masculinity.
