US court denies Tate brothers’ bid to be released from Miami jail

A United States judge has turned down a request from social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate to be released from jail as they appeal their extradition to the United Kingdom, where they face rape charges.

On Wednesday, US Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis ruled that the brothers constituted a “quintessential flight risk” because of their wealth and frequent international travel and must therefore remain in a Miami jail.

“While [the brothers] may not in fact possess what extravagant holdings they portray themselves as possessing online, the record reflects that they possess an exceptional capacity to flee the jurisdiction,” Louis wrote.

A lawyer for the brothers said they would “continue to defend themselves against the allegations they face and engage with the appropriate legal processes in each jurisdiction”.

Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami, Florida, on July 18 after the UK requested their extradition to face charges of rape, assault and facilitating trafficking for sexual exploitation.

The pair, who have citizenship in the US and the UK, have denied all wrongdoing.

Defence lawyers previously argued that the brothers should be released from jail as they contest their extradition, saying their high-profile status makes fleeing the country unrealistic.

The Tates’ legal team also downplayed the brothers’ depictions of extravagant wealth on social media as “theatrical” and “grandiose”.