Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, has threatened legal action against at least one of the women who have accused him of rape and human trafficking.
In December, a “cease-and-desist” letter was filed by a US law firm on behalf of Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, according to attorneys for the woman in the United States.
The woman and her parents were threatened with a $300 million (£249 million) lawsuit if she did not withdraw her claims.
A lawyer for the Tate family stated that they were pursuing legal defamation allegations.
The BBC has received a redacted version of the letter, which was reportedly sent by the brothers.
“In April 2022, you falsely reported to a third party that our Client had subjected you to human trafficking, assaulted you, and detained you against your will […] You have repeatedly made false and defamatory claims about the Tate brothers to the police, the media, and another U.S. citizen.”
Andrew and Tristan Tate are being kept in preventative custody in Romania as police investigate claims of human trafficking and rape, which both men deny.
Benjamin Bull, an employee of the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation, asserts that his client is a crucial witness in the Romanian investigation and that the letter was intended to accomplish “one and only one thing”:
“[It] was intended to silence the witness; to prevent the witness from testifying in any proceeding,” he claimed.
“They want these young women to dig a hole and hide, never coming forward or describing what they witnessed and what happened. Clearly, this is an attempt to intimidate.”
The Tates’ attorneys have acknowledged to the BBC that the cease-and-desist letter was delivered in December, as a civil matter for defamation and slander in the United States, but they deny any form of intimidation.
Tina Glandian, one of their legal experts, stated that pursuing valid legal actions for defamation was not abnormal. She stated, “The fact that [the Tates] are currently incarcerated is not an excuse for them not to pursue their legal rights.”
The inquiry into charges of rape and human trafficking is said to rely at least in part on the testimony of six women. No charges have been filed as of yet.
In addition, the Tates’ legal team disclosed that the brothers filed criminal complaints in Romania against two women, including the witness who received the cease-and-desist letter in December, in April of last year.
Ms. Glandian stated that the criminal complaints filed in April were in reaction to allegations that the Tate brothers were holding two women against their will.
“She said that [the Tates] was not arrested in April due to the absence of any proof. [At that time], they were falsely accused, and they had every right to file criminal accusations for having their homes raided and possessions confiscated.”
She states that the outcomes of these criminal complaints are still pending.
Benjamin Bull, who represents several of the witnesses in the ongoing Tate probe, states that legal action has been distressing and scary for his clients.
But, Dani Pinter, a member of the same legal team, asserts that it is not simply the danger of legal action, but also the online hostility that many of her clients face for coming out.
She told me that Tate’s followers regularly distribute videos with a high production value that are intended to embarrass and torment them.
“Making extremely scandalous charges, trying to slur them, and claiming they are liars. Nevertheless, this also includes their private information, such as where they work and who their family members are, with the goal of inciting abuse. And it’s working.”
She claims that the two alleged victims she represents have received death threats.
“They are very terrified. Both parties are in hiding. They believe they cannot settle anyplace since so many people are looking for them.”
The names of the six women involved in the prosecution’s case have been kept completely confidential. Nonetheless, some individuals’ complete names have been released on social media.
In addition, the identities of two witnesses surfaced in a statement from the Tates’ US media team to the BBC. They are not identified publicly by the BBC.
Andrew Tate and his brother may not have access to social media while in detention, but they have amassed a large and devoted following of online-active supporters.
Several accounts appear to be fully staffed, regularly distributing videos and papers aimed to discredit the evidence of witnesses and other women who have made complaints against the Tate family.
One of the more active accounts tweeted the entire identity, social media handles, and WhatsApp chats of one of the claimed investigation victims earlier this week.
The BBC has reached out to the account for comment, but no response has yet been received.
Even those who merely scratch the surface of this narrative can become a target.
Daria Gusa told the BBC and others that she received a private Instagram message from Andrew Tate when she was 16 years old. That followed the same strategy he outlined in his talks on how to attract a woman’s attention and obtain her power.
She did not accuse him of committing any crime.
“I received a number of messages,” she told me. “The majority were from people accusing me of lying or calling me a whore.”
She also received 10 to 15 cyber threats. Daria reported receiving a text message from a man who stated,
“I know where you are because your class schedule is posted online and I am aware of your whereabouts.”
She claims that a number of her acquaintances, who also appear to have had touch with him, have declined to discuss their encounters.
She explained,
“It’s not only the folks that work for him.” “There are literally millions of men who idolize these people and would do everything to defend them and their image, so it’s entirely understandable that so many ladies don’t want to speak up.”
It is unclear who operates some of the more active accounts defending the Tate family or the extent of their cooperation.
Nonetheless, the consequences for women who make public allegations against Andrew Tate can be substantial and come from a variety of sources.
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