Four Women Warn Against Interference, Call for Fair Legal Process in Romania
Four women who accuse social media personality Andrew Tate of sexual abuse have voiced concerns over potential US interference in his legal proceedings in Romania. The women expressed their shock at reports suggesting that US officials had approached Romania, asking for the relaxation of travel restrictions imposed on Tate and his brother, Tristan, who hold dual UK-US citizenship.
Matthew Jury, the lawyer representing the victims, criticised the involvement of the US government, particularly under the Trump administration, stating that they were “bewildered” by the request. He said that the women felt deeply distressed by the attention and support Tate had received from some in the US political sphere. Despite the claims, Romanian authorities have denied any pressure from the US.
The Tate brothers, aged 38, have been under investigation in Romania since 2021, facing charges of rape, human trafficking, and money laundering, all of which they deny. Additionally, they are wanted by UK authorities for similar allegations. Once the Romanian trial concludes, the brothers will face extradition proceedings in the UK.
Last week, the Financial Times reported that US diplomats had raised the issue with Romanian officials, with Richard Grenell, a representative of former President Trump, making the case for the return of the brothers’ passports, allowing them to travel while awaiting trial. Currently, the brothers are prohibited from leaving Romania but are no longer under house arrest.
Romanian officials, including Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, have denied claims that any formal requests were made by the US regarding the case. They both affirmed that Romania’s judiciary operates independently and is bound by law.
Jury condemned what he described as “gross interference” in his clients’ right to a fair trial, adding that the public support for Tate from prominent figures in the US only compounded the trauma for the women. He referred to this as “gaslighting,” given the severity of the allegations and the backing Tate had received.
The civil case against Tate, which is separate from the criminal investigations, is currently ongoing in the UK. The four women involved in the case have called for no further obstruction to the legal processes in both Romania and the UK, urging authorities to carry out their work without external influence.
Justice officials in the UK, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, have also warned against any interference, insisting that Tate must face the legal system in both countries without hindrance. Tate, known for his misogynistic views, has been banned from various social media platforms and remains a controversial figure with millions of followers.
