Lawyers Say Andrew Tate Faked Being 'Uberwealthy'

Andrew Tate's high-roller image is more brand than bank account, his lawyers now argue in court. In a filing seeking bail for Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, the defense says the influencer's online persona as "uberwealthy" is exaggerated for clicks—and that many of the luxury items he flaunted weren't his, the BBC reports. The superyacht he posed on? A paid promotion, they say. The flashy Aston Martin and Bugattis featured in videos? Rented.

• In a court filing, the brothers' lawyers said "online attention" drives their business model. "The outrageousness of the posts by them and about them is the point," the filing states. "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."

"Further, the Tates are engaged in several businesses 'teaching' men how to earn money," the filing states, per the Guardian. "It is in their interest to portray themselves on social media as uberwealthy." The brothers are jailed in Florida as the US considers a British extradition request tied to dozens of charges, including rape and sex trafficking, which they deny.

Prosecutors say the Tates are a flight risk, citing their boasts of vast wealth, multiple identities, and ability to disappear. The defense counters that those boasts are performance, not proof, and that the "government has not established these grandiose claims are true." A hearing on whether the brothers should remain in custody as they fight extradition is scheduled for Thursday.