Defense attorneys say Tate brothers should remain free in the US as they fight extradition to the UK

Attorneys for social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate argue that the brothers’ high-profile, public lives and other factors constitute special circumstances for their release MIAMI (AP) — Attorneys for social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate argued Friday that the brothers’ high-profile, public lives and other factors constitute special circumstances for their release as they fight extradition to the United Kingdom, where the brothers are accused of rape and sex trafficking. The defense attorneys filed a motion for release in Miami federal court, where a judge will next week determine if the brothers should stay in jail or be released during what could be a monthslong extradition process.

The brothers have repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Prosecutors must file a response to the motion by Monday. The detention hearing is likely to be the first time the Tates leave the Federal Detention Center in Miami since making a brief court appearance two days after their July 18 arrest.

The Tates have become among the world’s most polarizing internet personalities with their promotion of wealth, male dominance and misogyny through their social media empire. The new allegations are the latest in the Tates’ long-running international legal saga spanning the U.S., Britain and Romania. The brothers claim special circumstances for their release The defense motion acknowledges there is a presumption against bond in extradition proceedings but argues that release can be granted in special circumstances.

It says the Tates’ high profile makes it nearly impossible for them to flee, and that they regularly post updates about their locations on social media. Prosecutors call the brothers a flight risk but their attorneys said they have proved they are not, by complying with all pretrial restrictions in Romania, where they are accused of luring women for sexual exploitation. “Every prediction the government now asks this Court to make about the brothers’ future conduct — that they will flee if released — has already been made and answered by three years of data showing that they do not flee,” the motion says.

has until mid-September to provide evidence to the State Department to support extradition, meaning the brothers could spend months in FDC Miami before the proceedings are resolved, the motion says. No date has been set for an extradition hearing. They are being held in a special unit for their own protection.

“The Tates have limited contact with their families, no television, no radio, and no commissary access,” the motion says. Prosecutors must file a response to the motion by Monday.The detention hearing is likely to be the first time the Tates leave the Federal Detention Center in Miami since making a brief court appearance two days after their July 18 arrest. They are being held in a special unit for their own protection.“The Tates have limited contact with their families, no television, no radio, and no commissary access,” the motion says.