Andrew Tate charged with rape and human trafficking in Romania

Andrew Tate (L) and Tristan Tate leave the Bucharest Court of Appeal after the hearing on their appeal to the decision of arrest for 30 days, on January 10, 2023 in Bucharest, Romania.
Andrew Tate (L) and Tristan Tate leave the Bucharest Court of Appeal after the hearing on their appeal to the decision of arrest for 30 days, on January 10, 2023 in Bucharest, Romania. Photo credit Andreea Campeanu/Getty Images

The controversial internet influencer Andrew Tate has been charged with rape, human trafficking, and creating an organized crime group, prosecutors shared on Tuesday.

Tate was first detained in December by Romanian officials alongside his brother, Tristan, who is also an online personality, and two other women, a statement from prosecutors said.

A spokesperson for the Tate brothers said they will “embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation.”

While speaking with ABC News, the spokesperson shared that the legal team for the Tates is “prepared to cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities, presenting all necessary evidence to exonerate the brothers and expose any misinterpretations or false accusations.”

“Our main objective will be to establish the truth and ensure a fair and impartial legal approach by presenting evidence and proof relevant to the case,” the spokesperson shared with CNN. “The referral of the case for trial will allow us to present a comprehensive body of evidence, diligently gathered and prepared over time, which will undoubtedly be essential in exonerating the defendants.”

The Tate brothers and the other defendants have been in custody for nearly six months as they awaited the full charges. Until March, they were in a Romanian jail, but since then, have been under house arrest.

Now, they will face a trial for their alleged crimes. The trial is not expected to start immediately.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Andreea Campeanu/Getty Images