Andrew Tate and Brother Depart Romania for US After Travel Ban Lifted

• Feb 27, 2025

Self-Proclaimed Influencer and Brother Allowed to Travel After Legal Restrictions Eased

Andrew Tate, a self-described "misogynist influencer," and his brother, Tristan, have left Romania aboard a private jet, heading to the United States after authorities lifted their travel ban. Local officials confirmed the pair took off from Bucharest’s Băneasa airport at 6 a.m. local time (4 a.m. GMT), bound for Fort Lauderdale.

The Tate brothers, arrested in Romania in 2022, are facing trial on serious charges, including rape, trafficking of minors, human trafficking, and money laundering. Despite being granted permission to travel, they remain under judicial supervision and are required to appear before Romanian authorities when summoned. The country’s anti-organized crime agency, Diicot, warned that any violation of these conditions could lead to stricter legal measures. Reports suggest the brothers will return to Romania in March for a judicial review hearing.

The duo, who hold dual British and American citizenship, are outspoken supporters of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Several figures within Trump’s circle, including his son, Donald Trump Jr., have publicly criticized their legal troubles, with Trump Jr. calling their detention "absolute insanity."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk also engaged with Tate on social media, responding to Tate’s suggestion that he might run for U.K. Prime Minister with the remark, "he’s not wrong." One of Tate’s legal representatives, Paul Ingrassia, currently serves as a White House liaison official for the U.S. Department of Justice. Ingrassia has claimed the Tate brothers are victims of a conspiracy, asserting they were “sacrificed on the altar of the Matrix for crimes they never committed.” Additionally, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has appeared on a podcast supporting the Tate brothers.

Andrew, 38, a former professional kickboxer, and Tristan, 36, were initially arrested alongside two Romanian women on charges of forming a criminal gang to exploit women sexually. Romanian prosecutors launched a second investigation in August 2023, adding further accusations, including sex with a minor, organized crime, and additional money laundering allegations.

The U.K. has also sought their extradition in connection with allegations of sexual aggression dating back to 2012. However, a Romanian court has ruled that legal proceedings in Romania must be completed before any extradition is considered.

Four British women who have accused Andrew Tate of sexual abuse have condemned his departure from Romania, stating they feel "retraumatized" by the decision. “It is clear he will now not face criminal prosecution for his alleged crimes in Romania,” they said in a joint statement. They also expressed concern that Tate could use his newfound mobility to intimidate witnesses and further spread his controversial ideology.

Last week, the women had warned that U.S. officials might have pressured Romania into lifting the travel restrictions on the Tates. The Financial Times also reported that Washington had raised their case with Romanian authorities. Their lawyer, Matthew Jury, criticized the situation, telling the BBC that "the most powerful man in the world" showing support for their alleged abuser was deeply distressing.

Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu confirmed that Richard Grenell, a Trump envoy, had discussed the Tates’ legal status with him at the Munich Security Conference. However, Hurezeanu denied any undue pressure from the U.S., stating that there were "no threats or formal requests" regarding their case. Romania’s Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, similarly rejected claims that the U.S. government had intervened.

Andrew Tate has been banned from multiple social media platforms for misogynistic and hateful rhetoric but continues to maintain a large following. He has over 10 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), where he promotes a hyper-masculine lifestyle that critics argue demeans women.

In its latest case, Diicot accuses the Tate brothers of using the "loverboy" method—tricking women into romantic relationships—to force at least 34 victims into creating pornography, allegedly generating nearly $3 million in revenue. Prosecutors also claim that one defendant coerced a 17-year-old girl into producing explicit content, generating $1.5 million in earnings, and that another defendant repeatedly engaged in sexual relations with a 15-year-old.

Despite the charges against them, the Tate brothers and their associates have denied all allegations. The unfolding legal proceedings in both Romania and the U.K. will determine their fate in the coming months.