Online influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan departed Romania on a private flight to the U.S. on Thursday, reaching Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as confirmed by their media team. Prosecutors had lifted a travel ban linked to criminal charges against them.
Andrew Tate, known for promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle, has gathered a significant following despite criticism that his content demeans women.
The brothers face accusations in Romania including forming a criminal group, human trafficking, involvement with minors, sexual conduct with a minor, and money laundering, which they vehemently deny.
They are due to return to Romania by late March to comply with legal requirements, including regular check-ins with authorities concerning their case.
Reports surfaced last week that U.S. officials had urged Romania to allow the Tates, ex-kickboxers holding American and British citizenship, to travel, though U.S. sources denied pressuring Romania to drop the case but admitted to advocating for their passports to be returned.
Romanian prosecutors did not provide reasons for lifting the travel ban, stating that the restriction had been lifted but other legal obligations would remain, such as regular reporting to judicial authorities.
Critics lamented the U.S.'s stance, with a lawyer representing one of the alleged victims expressing concern that the victim was not adequately protected by her country.
A Romanian women's advocacy network has called for transparency in the decision to lift the ban, seeking to address any doubts about the impartiality of the Romanian judicial system.
After an initial failed criminal case against them in December, a British arrest warrant has been issued for the brothers, to be executed after the Romanian trial concludes, relating to alleged sexual misconduct between 2012 and 2015.