
BBC News

Getty Images
Four women who claim they were sexually assaulted by influencer Andrew Tate are imploring US authorities not to intervene in his ongoing legal proceedings in Romania.
The accusers expressed deep concern regarding reports that US officials requested Romania ease travel restrictions on Tate and his brother, Tristan, who hold dual UK-US citizenship.
Attorney Matthew Jury, representing the four alleged victims, conveyed their confusion over what he termed the Trump administration’s “unwarranted interference,” despite Romania’s assertion that no external pressure exists.
Tate, aged 38, along with his brother, was arrested in Romania three years prior and is facing trial for serious charges, including rape, trafficking minors, and money laundering, all of which they dispute.
Additionally, the Tate brothers are sought by UK law enforcement over allegations of rape and human trafficking, which they also reject. Extradition to the UK will be addressed following the resolution of the Romania case.
Representatives for the Tate siblings have refrained from commenting on this recent development.
The Financial Times has reported that US officials recently discussed the case with Romanian authorities, followed up by Trump’s envoy Richard Grenell over the past weekend.
According to sources, the US has requested that the brothers’ passports be returned to facilitate travel while they await the outcome of their criminal trial.
The Tate brothers currently face a travel ban in Romania; however, they are no longer under house arrest.
Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu has confirmed to Euronews that Grenell addressed Tate’s situation, stating his interest in the fate of the brothers. However, he insisted that this did not constitute pressure from the US.
A representative for Hurezeanu emphasized to The Financial Times: “Courts in Romania function independently and according to the law, ensuring due process is upheld.”
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also dismissed the claims on X, asserting that the US has made no legal requests concerning the Probe into the Tate brothers by Romanian authorities.
He stated, “There have been no demands during discussions between the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Richard Grenell. Romania and the USA share mutual values regarding citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.”
According to the FT, Grenell mentioned that he had not had any “substantial conversation” with Hurezeanu but acknowledged his public support for the Tate brothers through his social media activity.
The BBC has reached out to the US State Department for comments on this matter.
Concerns Over Interference
The Tate brothers enjoy considerable backing on right-leaning social media platforms and have publicly supported Trump during his electoral campaign.
Attorney Matthew Jury noted, “There’s a clear indication from various members of the Trump administration’s social media posts and public declarations showing strong backing for Tate.”
He expressed, “It’s either ignorance or indifference to the serious nature of the allegations being made against Tate,” highlighting the distress experienced by the women involved.
The women feel “absolutely shattered” by the situation, stating, “Witnessing the most influential man in the world endorse their alleged perpetrator is deeply traumatic… it’s a form of gaslighting.”
Jury characterized the reported US government actions as a significant infringement on his clients’ rights to a fair trial and due process.

EPA
Attorney Matthew Jury is representing the four women in a civil lawsuit against Tate in the UK High Court, following the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service not to pursue criminal charges. The Tate brothers continue to deny all allegations.
This civil matter is distinct from the criminal investigations currently underway by British authorities.
The four women added in their statement, “We sincerely hope that both Romanian and UK authorities are permitted to conduct their investigations without interference.”
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick also cautioned the US against interference, asserting that the Tate brothers “must face justice in the UK.”
“No hurdles should be placed before UK authorities. The government must clearly communicate this position to its US counterparts.”
Tate, who has described himself as a misogynist, has been banned from various social media platforms for his views. A former kickboxer, he has amassed millions of followers online and has resided in Romania for several years after living in the UK.