Key facts
- Andrew and Tristan Tate's lawyers claim they rented luxury vehicles and yachts.
- The brothers' business model depends on online attention and generating views and likes.
- Lawyers argue that images of luxury items online should not be taken as evidence of wealth.
- The Tates are facing extradition from the US over an investigation into alleged sexual offenses.
- They deny all charges, including rape, sexual assault, and trafficking.
Lawyers for social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate have argued in court that the brothers deliberately portray themselves as "uberwealthy" by renting luxury cars and yachts, as their "business model depends on online attention." These submissions were made as British police seek the brothers' extradition from the US over an investigation into alleged sexual offenses, which the Tates deny.
According to their legal representatives, the "outrageousness" of their posts is the point, designed to generate views, likes, and ultimately income. The lawyers stated that promotional videos featuring yachts do not indicate ownership, and that the supercars, including a $2.1 million Aston Martin and Bugattis valued at $5 million and $7 million, were rented. They also noted that valuations of Andrew Tate's watch collection were based on third-party publications.
The Tate brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were arrested by US marshals in Miami in July. They face numerous charges, including rape, sexual assault, and trafficking for sexual exploitation, with alleged offenses occurring between July 2010 and August 2017. The brothers have "unequivocally" denied wrongdoing, with Andrew Tate describing them as "very innocent men."