Popular social media figure Andrew Tate is already forming his defense against charges from Romanian authorities.
On Tuesday, brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate were officially charged with rape, human trafficking, and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women months after their homes were raided in Bucharest.
It names seven alleged victims who it says were recruited by the Tate brothers through false promises of love and marriage. The alleged victims were later taken to buildings in Ilfov county in Romania where they were intimidated, placed under constant surveillance and control and forced into debt, according to a statement from Romanian prosecutors.
The defendants allegedly then forced the women to take part in pornography which was later shared on social media. One defendant is accused of raping a woman twice in March 2022, the statement adds.
After the charges were made public, Andrew released a video comparing himself to Cristiano Ronaldo, Johnny Depp, and Neymar, all men who faced sexual assault allegations in the past.
“Men. This isn’t about me. This isn’t about whether you like me or not. This is about all of us.
Today it’s me. Tomorrow it’s you. Nobody is safe from these lies.”
Men.
This isn’t about me.
This isn’t about whether you like me or not.
This is about all of us.
Today it’s me. Tomorrow it’s you.
Nobody is safe from these lies. pic.twitter.com/K41k9hRYVX
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) June 20, 2023
Tate posted another video detailing how he was “being attacked by the Matrix” and how he will never be controlled.
What happens next?
Support here: https://t.co/MVhlW652FD pic.twitter.com/qeoggnh4te
— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) June 20, 2023