Tate brothers appear in US federal court to begin extradition hearings

Controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan appeared in a federal courtroom in Miami, marking the start of extradition proceedings to the UK on a raft of new charges including rape and sex trafficking.

Speaking outside the court after the hearing, the brothers’ lawyer said they would fight against extradition.

The Tates have been held in a Florida prison since their arrest on Saturday after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which prosecutes criminal cases in England and Wales, announced 38 new charges against them.

The Tate brothers, who arrived in Florida in 2025 after leaving Romania, where they faced similar accusations, have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

In court Monday, the pair wore light brown prison uniforms and were handcuffed at their hands and ankles.

They spoke only when asked if they understood their rights and responded in unison, “yes, your honor.”

The brothers’ attorney, Joe McBride, told reporters after the brief hearing that his clients were innocent.

“They never did anything wrong. They should not be extradited for crimes they did not commit.” said McBride.

“This is garbage. This is a sewing job,” he added.

He compared the charges against the men to legal proceedings against US President Donald Trump, which he called a “witch hunt” and described the extradition attempt as a “political kidnapping”.

When asked how long extradition proceedings would take, McBride made an estimate before the hearing. He said it would be “about 60 days.”

The judge scheduled the brother’s next hearing for July 27, according to AP News.

The final decision on extradition will eventually have to be made by the Trump administration.

The latest allegations against the men were said to have occurred between July 2010 and August 2017.