FL Opens Case Against Tate Brothers After Romanian Rape Charges

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Sibling influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who reportedly arrived from Romania into Florida last week, are the focus of a "now-active" probe, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday.

The Tate brothers are being accused of "human trafficking and forming an organized criminal group with the goal of sexually exploiting women in two cases," ABC News reported Wednesday.

According to a BBC report, Andrew Tate, 38, and Tristan Tate, 36, were also charged on suspicion of rape and human trafficking in Romania - a country in eastern Europe.

They landed on Feb. 27 at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport after a Romanian travel ban was lifted, the news outlet reported.

Gov. Ron DeSantis was shocked and upset to learn of the Tates' arrival into Florida, telling media they were "not welcome," ABC reported.

The purpose of the investigation is to determine if "any of (the Tates') alleged crimes relating to human trafficking and violence against women triggered Florida jurisdiction," ABC reported.

Uthmeier on X said the Office of Statewide Prosecution had been directed to execute search warrants and issue subpoenas during the investigation.

"Florida has zero tolerance for people who abuse women and girls," Uthmeier tweeted Tuesday. "We will not allow it."

In addition to the Florida probe, a woman is suing the Tate brothers after accusing them of coercing "her into sex work, and then (defaming) her after she gave evidence to Romanian authorities," BBC reported.

A Florida woman is suing the Tates after she said they lured her to Romania for a romantic relationship before making her work as a pornographic webcam model, ABC reported.

It was not immediately clear if the woman is the same in both incidents.

Both media outlets say the brothers have denied all allegations.

"Respect due process and wait for the conclusion of media hype and funded madness," Andrew Tate tweeted Wednesday. "You will learn that Tate was innocent all along. The greatest men in history suffered this law fare and slander."

He later tweeted: "Its a strange feeling to be so adored that when you go on a two week holiday to Miami the entire world talks about it. Its wild. Im going back to Romania in a few days anyway."

Attorney James D. McBride, who is seemingly representing the Tate brothers, condemned Uthemeier's decision in a series of tweets. He called the probe "meritless."

"Ron knows that neither he nor his wife appeal to younger voters. Ron knows that @Cobratate
and @TateTheTalisman have more influence over younger voters than anyone else. Ron knows that the Tate Brothers vehemently support Trump, and by extension will support @ByronDonalds," McBride tweeted Wednesday.

"What we're seeing, therefore, is a despicable attempt to hold on to power by weaponizing the justice system against two men who can guarantee the DeSanctimonious Family's defeat in the coming race for Florida's Governorship.

Unfortunately for Ron, Floridians have long had enough of Deep State hacks locking up American Citizens for supporting Donald Trump. We look forward to continuing to prove Andrew and Tristan Tate's innocence, and to encouraging millions of young Floridians to vote for the very based Byron Donalds in the next election."

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz, from Florida, also chimed in on the matter. He argued DeSantis and Uthmeier do not care about the attention the Florida probe gives the Tates.

Gaetz added the Florida leaders are working to separate "the world between 'wholesome' and 'evil' with themselves as the vanguards of kindness," and Andrew Tate "as a symbol of cruelty."

"DeSantis/hisAG are using you to virtue signal against the unrighteous," Gaetz tweeted. "... It’s all just posturing. ... if you haven’t committed any crimes you have little to fear from the Sunshine State."

Still, per the ABC report, Uthmeieir is holding steadfast on his choice to investigate the Tate brothers.

"These guys have themselves publicly admitted to participating in what very much appears to be soliciting, trafficking, preying upon women around the world. People can spin it however they want, but in Florida this type of behaviour is viewed as atrocious. We're not going to accept it," Uthmeier said in the ABC report.

"If these guys did criminal activity here in Florida we will go after them with full force of law and hold them accountable."