Andrew Tate could face 2027 civil trial over sex abuse allegations
Lawyers for four women say the civil case against Tate may be the first in Britain involving allegations of coercive control.
- Four women allege Tate subjected them to sexual violence, including rape, choking and forms of coercive control.
- Tate, a popular online influencer, faces criminal cases or investigations in the UK, Romania, and in Florida.
- Tate denies all allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
LONDON − The online influencer and self-described misogynist Andrew Tate could face a civil trial in the United Kingdom over allegations of sexual and physical abuse as early as January 2027, according to the judge who oversaw the case's first preliminary hearing.
Four women in Britain accuse Tate of subjecting them to sexual violence, including rape, choking and forms of coercive control when he was living in England from 2013 to 2015. Two of the women worked for Tate's webcam business. Two are former girlfriends. The court has granted them anonymity.
Tate, 38, denies all the allegations in the civil case. He did not attend the hearing. In Tate's written testimony denying the allegations, obtained by Paste BN, he said all the sexual activity with the women was consensual.
The hearing April 15 was presided over by Judge Richard Armstrong at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. It dealt with with matters such as the timeline for the disclosure of key documents and reports; which experts might be called to testify; the numbers of witnesses; and legal costs. Armstrong said the damages sought by the women "would likely reach six figures."
Vanessa Marshall, a lawyer for Tate, said he intended to give evidence in his defense at trial.
Anne Studd, a lawyer for the four women bringing the suit, said the case may be the first of its kind in Britain involving allegations of coercive control. Studd described the allegations as "a form of grooming and manipulation where the victim becomes less and less able to respond in what might be perceived as a normal way; in particular, she may not leave even if the door is open."
The women say that when they first met Tate he was polite, charming and caring. They said he boasted about his success and appeared to be wealthy. He had luxury cars and designer clothes. He encouraged them to see him as a protector and confidante, not a predator. Over time, Tate changed, they say. They claim he became controlling and ever more threatening, restricting their movements and access to food.
Tate and his brother Tristan face separate criminal cases connected to alleged sexual offenses and trafficking in Britain and Romania. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier recently opened a criminal investigation into the Tates, characterizing its scope as "what very much appears to be soliciting, trafficking, preying upon women around the world." The brothers deny all the allegations against them made in cases in Britain, Romania and the United States.
They are believed to be in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates after briefly traveling to the United States from Romania after authorities there lifted a travel ban on them pending that country's criminal investigation.