Tate brothers' lawyers argue social-media luxury posts do not prove wealth

Lawyers for Andrew and Tristan Tate told a U.S. court that the brothers' frequent posts featuring supercars, a $50 million superyacht and high-end watches are intended to generate clicks rather than demonstrate genuine wealth. They said the “outrageousness of the posts … is the point,” adding that hyperbolic content is used to attract views, likes and income, and that the brothers are essentially “playing a role.”

The social-media feeds have shown a garage allegedly containing a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, Aston Martin Valhalla, a customized Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge and multiple Ferraris and McLarens, as well as footage from luxury Mediterranean charter boats. The most-noticed vessel is the Obsidian Blade, described as a $50 million superyacht with two sun decks and a plunge pool. The brothers also display watches from Jacob & Co., Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.

Both men are currently held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami while extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom move forward. They face nearly 60 criminal charges across Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States, including allegations of rape, human trafficking and related offenses, which they deny. Prosecutors have countered the brothers' claims about harsh detention conditions, providing commissary receipts that show purchases of typical snack items and personal care products.

“The more hyperbolic and outlandish the post, the more likely it will generate views and likes, which in turn generates income. In short, they are playing a role.”