Andrew and Tristan Tate went before a Miami judge themselves Thursday, asking for freedom. At the same time, prosecutors argued the brothers are too dangerous and too much of a flight risk to be released.
Both men testified during an eight-hour detention hearing as they fight extradition to the U.K., where they face 59 criminal charges between them, including rape and human trafficking for sexual exploitation.
The brothers deny all allegations.
“That is highly unusual,” their attorney Joe McBride said of their decision to take the stand.
McBride later told reporters, “Innocent men don’t run from the process. Innocent men have nothing to hide.”
Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, have been held at Miami’s Federal Detention Center since their July 18 arrests.
Prosecutors cited the brothers’ public claims about wealth, private jets and multiple passports while arguing they could flee if released. Andrew has previously boasted online about possessing several passports and driver’s licenses.
Their attorneys said those statements are part of an exaggerated internet persona.
The defense also argued that the brothers have shown they will comply with authorities, noting their previous returns to Romania while facing separate charges there, which they also deny.
If granted bail, the Tates say they would surrender their passports and agree to GPS tracking and home inspections.
Magistrate Judge Lauren F. Louis said she would issue her decision in writing.
For now, both of the globally recognized brothers remain in federal custody as the fight over whether they will be sent to Britain moves forward. If extradited and convicted on the charges, they are facing life in prison.
