Andrew and Tristan Tate to Fight UK Extradition on Rape and Sex Trafficking Charges

Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate will fight extradition to the United Kingdom where the brothers are accused of rape and sex trafficking, their lawyer said on Monday, suggesting their arrest in Miami was politically motivated without explaining why.

The Tates appeared in federal court on Monday for the first time since their arrest on Saturday and are being held in federal detention. In the coming weeks, a US district judge will consider whether they meet the conditions for extradition. US Magistrate Lauren Louis set another hearing for July 27.

The brothers, normally photographed in tailored suits and fitted shirts, wore tan prison uniforms and handcuffs during the brief hearing. Neither brother said a word during the hearing.

Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, insisted they should remain in the US.

“We are, of course, objecting to extradition because Andrew and Tristan are innocent,” McBride said after the hearing. “They’ve never done nothing wrong. They shouldn’t be extradited for crimes they did not commit.”

The brothers were surprised when they were arrested, McBride said, adding that the attempt to have them extradited was politically motivated. “There’s no question about it,” he told reporters.