Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, and his brother Tristan have been apprehended in Romania in connection with sexual offense charges issued by UK authorities, according to Romanian police on Tuesday.
Romanian authorities executed "two European arrest warrants issued by the UK judicial authorities for the committing of sexual offenses, of exploitation of persons on the territory of the UK," stated the police in a release.
A Bucharest court has ordered a 24-hour detention for the brothers, who are also facing separate charges in Romania related to human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal group to sexually exploit women.
Tate, known for his self-described misogynistic stance and significant online presence, is currently awaiting trial in Romania. His spokesperson acknowledged the arrest and noted that the warrants were issued by Westminster Magistrates Court.
In June 2023, four women threatened Tate with a lawsuit in the English courts, accusing him of sexual assault. The alleged offences occurred between 2013 and 2016 when Tate was based in the UK. The women, represented by the UK law firm McCue Jury and Partners, detailed accusations, including violent rapes, serious physical assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour.
Tate's spokesperson emphasized that both Andrew and Tristan Tate "unequivocally deny all allegations and decry what they perceive as an exploitative use of the legal system."
Tate was formerly a kickboxer, but recently he has been gaining fame for his controversial commentary, he has been expelled from various social media platforms and sparked concern from advocacy groups, parents, teachers, and counter-terrorism police.
Referred to as the "king of toxic masculinity," Tate is influential among young males, associated with right-wing ideologies, and openly identifies as misogynistic and sexist.
He recently commented on John Cena’s nude stunt which went viral on social media within moments of it airing on screen at the Oscars. For which Tate made a statement saying, “I’m sure John Cena, when he wanted to become a wrestling superstar and get muscly, didn’t intend on ending up walking around naked or putting on a dress," in a video posted online.
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During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)