Andrew Tate grins in Romanian court after boasting ‘girls love criminals’
DANBUI, Romania – Influencer and former kickboxer Andrew Tate has been detained in Romania on charges of human trafficking, exploitation, and organized crime, but that hasn’t stopped him from flashing a broad smile as he appeared in court.
The 36-year-old American-British dual citizen, whose real name is Emrick Ellis, was seen with a smug grin on his face as he made his way into the Timisoara courthouse for a hearing.
Prior to his arrest, Tate had boasted on social media that “girls love criminals” and “criminals love girls,” sparking outrage and sparking fears that his comments could be a red flag for violence against women.
Despite being held in custody, Tate appeared to be in high spirits as he smiled and waved to the press during his court appearance.
Tate is being held on suspicion of running a human trafficking ring that forced several women to perform sexual services in exchange for money, according to Romanian authorities.
The influencer faced backlash in 2022 after making his controversial comments, which sparked widespread criticism and accusations of promoting misogyny and exploitative behavior.
Tate has been a fixture on social media, boasting of his wealth and luxurious lifestyle, but his detention has brought his online presence to a grinding halt. His fans remain loyal, with many defending him against the allegations, claiming they are unfounded.
However, many have called for him to be held accountable for his actions, citing his alleged involvement in human trafficking and exploitation.
His detainment has been met with a mix of reactions from the public, with some condemning his actions, while others have rallied around him, defending him as a victim of political persecution.
The case remains ongoing, with further court appearances and proceedings scheduled in the coming weeks.