Tate brothers seek release from Miami detention pending UK extradition hearing

A federal magistrate in Miami heard arguments on Thursday from the legal team of social-media personalities Tristan and Andrew Tate, who are contesting a U.K. request to extradite them on rape and sex-trafficking allegations. The brothers have been held at a federal detention center since their July 18 arrest.

The Tates’ attorneys requested that the court permit them to remain out of custody until an extradition hearing can be held, saying continued detention would impede their ability to mount a defense. Defense lawyer Joseph McBride told reporters that he is unaware of any precedent in which a U.S. magistrate has granted bail pending an extradition proceeding.

"I need to clear my name. I need to take part in these proceedings, I can't do that from the secure housing unit," Tristan Tate said while testifying.

The brothers also described the jail conditions as unsanitary and said they have lost weight while in custody. Their counsel argued that their high public profile and active social-media presence make flight unlikely, noting that they have complied with court orders in a separate Romanian sex-crime case and have not attempted to leave the country.

Prosecutors have highlighted the Tates’ promotion of wealth and multiple passports, while the defense contended that many of the luxury-asset claims were exaggerated or based on rented items. The judge reminded the attorneys that U.S. law governs the bail decision.

No extradition hearing date has been set, and the United Kingdom has until mid-September to submit evidence to the U.S. State Department.