(TNND) — Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate vowed Monday to fight extradition to the United Kingdom after appearing in federal court in Miami on rape, sex trafficking and other charges.The brothers, who were arrested Saturday by U.S. Marshals in Florida, appeared before a federal magistrate wearing tan jail uniforms and handcuffs. U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis scheduled another hearing for next Monday, while a U.S. district judge will ultimately decide whether they can be extradited.”Our clients are innocent men,” attorney Joseph McBride told the court, calling the allegations “filth and slander.” He has said he expects the extradition request to be denied.MIAMI, FLORIDA – JULY 20: Joseph McBride, lead counsel for Andrew and Tristan Tate, speaks to reporters outside of the C. Clyde Atkins United States Courthouse on July 20, 2026, in Miami, Florida. Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate are scheduled to appear in court before a federal magistrate after they were arrested to face rape and sex trafficking charges in the United Kingdom. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The arrests stem from a Bedfordshire Police investigation in England. British authorities recently authorized 38 new charges involving four additional alleged victims, bringing the total number of charges the brothers face in the U.K. to 59.According to Bedfordshire Police, Andrew Tate faces seven additional counts of rape, three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and 19 offenses involving indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.Tristan Tate faces two additional counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and three counts of arranging or facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.The new allegations span from 2010 to 2017. The brothers were already facing 21 previously authorized charges, including rape, causing bodily harm, human trafficking and controlling prostitution for gain involving three other alleged victims between 2012 and 2015.McBride previously suggested the arrests had been approved by a lower-level Justice Department official without input from department leadership. The Justice Department told The Associated Press that leadership in its Criminal Division approved the arrests.The case is the latest chapter in a yearslong international legal battle involving the brothers in Britain, Romania and the United States.FILE – Andrew Tate, right, and his brother Tristan arrive at an event, April 11, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool, File)The Tate brothers, who hold dual U.S. and British citizenship, moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022 on allegations they recruited women for sexual exploitation through an organized crime group. They have denied those accusations, and the Romanian case has stalled because of legal and procedural issues.Romania later lifted travel restrictions, allowing the brothers to leave the country. They traveled to Florida earlier this year before being arrested Saturday on the U.K.’s extradition request.Andrew Tate built a massive online following by promoting wealth, masculinity and controversial views about women, making the brothers among the world’s most polarizing social media personalities. They have repeatedly denied all wrongdoing in both the U.K. and Romania._____Editor’s note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Tate brothers fight UK extradition after Miami arrest on rape, sex trafficking charges
