The British women accusing Andrew Tate of rape and human trafficking have spoken out after Romania lifted his travel ban, allowing him to fly to the US amid allegations of political pressure from the Trump administration.
‘We are in disbelief’
“We are in disbelief and feel retraumatized by the news that Romanian authorities have given in to pressure from the Trump administration to allow Andrew Tate to travel around Europe and to the US,” the four women told MailOnline in a joint statement.
“We can only hope that the British authorities finally take action and do something about this terrifying unfolding situation to ensure he faces justice in the UK.”
Their lawyers have condemned the UK government’s silence, calling it a “complete abdication of responsibility.”
Legal team sounds alarm
Matthew Jury, a solicitor representing the alleged victims, called the decision “equal parts disgusting and dismaying” and urged the UK to secure Tate’s extradition.
“The UK authorities must take immediate steps to ensure he faces charges for human trafficking and rape committed in this jurisdiction,” Jury stated.
Trump administration accused of interference
Tate and his brother, Tristan, left Romania around 5 a.m. local time via Baneasa Airport, reportedly flying by private jet to Florida. The BBC cited sources in Bucharest claiming that pressure from the Trump administration played a role in Romania’s decision to return their passports.
Trump’s former envoy Richard Grenell allegedly lobbied Romanian officials, requesting the Tate brothers be allowed to travel while awaiting their trial. The Financial Times reported that US officials first raised the issue in a call earlier this month, followed by a private meeting at the Munich Security Conference.
Tate’s criminal charges in UK and Romania
Andrew and Tristan Tate, dual US-UK nationals, were arrested in Romania in 2022 on charges of human trafficking, rape, money laundering, and forming an organized crime group. They deny all accusations.
In addition to their Romanian charges, the brothers face allegations in the UK from British women who claim Tate raped and coercively controlled them between 2013 and 2015, long before he gained notoriety as an online influencer.
Fears of witness intimidation
The British accusers warned that Tate’s newfound freedom presents a major risk.
“It is clear that there is now a major risk that the criminal prosecution for his alleged crimes in Romania will not proceed,” they said. “He may use this development to harass and intimidate witnesses and accusers, as well as continue spreading a violent, misogynistic doctrine around the world.”
They are crowdfunding to pursue a civil case after the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped criminal charges against Tate following a four-year investigation.
UK government’s inaction questioned
Jury criticized the British government for failing to prevent Tate’s departure from Romania.
“The UK Government knew this might happen more than a week ago. The fact that nothing seems to have been done to prevent it is concerning.”
Prime Minister Starmer, currently in the US to meet with President Trump, has been urged to intervene on behalf of Tate’s alleged British victims.
Romanian officials defend decision
Despite claims of US pressure, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu denied any political influence on the decision to lift Tate’s travel restrictions.
The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) confirmed that while the Tate brothers must return for future court dates, their travel restrictions have been lifted.
“If they fail to appear for any upcoming hearings, this may lead to the replacement of judicial control with a higher measure of deprivation of liberty,” DIICOT warned.
Tate declares ‘Victory’
Tate and his brother have called the decision a victory, insisting they will continue to fight the charges.
“Their sole focus is on ensuring that due process is followed and that their innocence is established in a court of law,” their legal team stated.
Tate, an outspoken Trump supporter, hinted that the case against him could soon collapse.
“THE PATRIARCHY IS BACK,” he posted online after Trump’s election win, reiterating his belief that women should not be allowed to vote.
The alleged victims say they are devastated by the events, calling it a betrayal of justice.
“To see the most powerful man in the world support their alleged abuser is incredibly traumatizing,” Jury told BBC Newsnight.
As the Tate brothers prepare to re-enter the US, the fate of their pending cases remains uncertain. Whether the UK or Romanian authorities will take decisive action remains to be seen.