Influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have not been informed of the identities of the women in the UK who have accused them of sexual violence due to concerns that the brothers might disclose this information on social media platforms, as revealed in the High Court.
The legal representatives of the Tates are contesting the decision made by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which expressed in legal filings that there exists a “real risk” that the brothers could expose their accusers’ names online or attempt to establish contact with them, potentially leading to interference with the legal process.
In March 2024, the CPS approved charges against the siblings, who hold citizenship in both the UK and the US, regarding alleged offenses spanning from 2012 to 2016.
Andrew Tate, aged 39, is confronting 10 charges, including rape, bodily harm, human trafficking, and profiteering from prostitution involving three purported victims. Meanwhile, Tristan Tate, aged 37, is facing 11 charges, including rape, bodily harm, and human trafficking concerning one alleged victim. The duo is set to be extradited to the UK once legal proceedings in Romania are finalized.
During the High Court session in London, the Tates’ lawyer, Sallie Bennett-Jenkins, contended that the CPS’s presumption that the brothers would reveal the complainants’ identities on social media causing them to withdraw from the case was an exaggerated risk assessment.
She further argued that withholding the identities hinders the brothers’ ability to mount a defense and violates their right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
In written submissions, Ms. Bennett-Jenkins stated: “It is difficult to escape the conclusion that they have been treated disparately from other suspects or defendants in criminal cases.”
Nonetheless, CPS attorney Tom Little informed the court that the decision to withhold the identities is temporary until the “substantive proceedings commence” in the UK, emphasizing that the claimants would receive adequate time to prepare for trial and be informed of the accusers’ identities upon their return.
The court was informed that the brothers are currently under judicial supervision in Romania, and their proposal to be interviewed by British authorities in Bucharest under caution was declined by the CPS.
Mr. Justice Chamberlain announced that a ruling on the judicial review application would be made by the week’s end.
A spokesperson from the CPS stated: “Addressing violence against women and girls is a top priority for the CPS, and we are dedicated to treating each victim with the attention and safeguarding they merit. We anticipate the high court’s ruling and will assess our subsequent actions.”
