In a startling turn of events, Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, known for their defamation lawsuit against individuals who reported them for alleged human trafficking, have inadvertently painted themselves into a corner by boasting about their fame. The defendants, responding to the Tates’ claims in court, have argued that the couple essentially admitted to being public figures.
The legal drama unfolded as an anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motion was filed today, highlighting the Tates’ apparent acknowledgment of their status as public figures in their own statements. The defendants argue that this acknowledgment carries significant implications for the defamation case.
The heart of the matter lies in the Tates’ own descriptions of themselves in their complaint, which forms the basis of their case. According to the defendants’ motion, the Tates described themselves as “a pair of entrepreneurs, major social media influencers, and international businessmen.” Moreover, the Tates claimed to have an “international presence” and generated revenues estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars through multiple business ventures.
They also referred to themselves as “respected thought leaders, business moguls, and motivational speakers across various industries.” Furthermore, the Tates asserted that they were a source of inspiration, particularly for young men, and emphasized the role of social media and travel in their success.
The defendants cited these self-proclaimed credentials as evidence that the Tates qualify as “public figures” under the law. Being public figures carries with it certain legal implications, one of which is the requirement to demonstrate “actual malice” when pursuing defamation claims. In other words, the Tates would need to prove that the defendants knowingly made false statements with the intent to harm their reputation.
Back in June, the Tates were indicted by Romanian prosecutors and charged with human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal organization for the sexual exploitation of women. Andrew faces charges of raping one of the victims, while Tristan is accused of inciting others to violence.
The trial, however, will not commence immediately because according to Romanian law, the case will first be reviewed by the Bucharest court’s preliminary chamber, where a judge will have two months to go over the case to ensure its legality. If found guilty, trafficking of adults and rape both carry up to a 10-year prison sentence in Romania.
The Tates have accused Jane Doe, one of the females who brought forth the human tracking suit, of making false statements about them but haven’t sued her for defamation. They did sue her parents and Liam Doe for repeating her statements, which weakens their defamation claims. It’s seen as an attempt to misuse the U.S. legal system to intimidate witnesses and hinder the criminal case against them in Romania. Additionally, their lawsuit appears to violate Florida’s law against SLAPPs aimed at restricting free speech.
The defendants further argue that the facts presented in the complaint fail to demonstrate that they were motivated by “actual malice.” They contend that they had reasonable grounds to believe that Jane Doe, who they claim was in danger due to human trafficking at the Tates’ compound, was being constrained from freely leaving. They assert that their communication to the U.S. Embassy was made in good faith and not motivated by any malicious intent. Despite Jane Doe’s request not to contact the Embassy, the defendants argue that it was based on her fear of repercussions and that she had a plan to escape. The defendants further emphasize that Jane Doe did not disavow the belief that human trafficking was occurring.
In light of these arguments, the defendants have called for the dismissal of the plaintiffs’ amended complaint on four main grounds. Firstly, they argue that the defamation claims must fail because they acted in good faith to protect Jane Doe and did not act with actual malice. Secondly, they claim that their reports to the U.S. Embassy fall within Florida’s qualified privilege doctrine, which could shield them from defamation liability. Thirdly, they assert that Liam Doe’s statements are privileged under federal supremacy and official duty doctrines due to his role as a Marine Reserve Sergeant. Finally, the defendants argue that all claims should be dismissed in accordance with Florida statute, which aims to prevent meritless lawsuits intended to stifle individual rights.
The Tates made a court appearance in Romania on Tuesday, where they are awaiting trial on charges related to human trafficking. Back in August, they successfully appealed in Bucharest to be released from house arrest and instead placed under judicial control.
This court session marks another occasion for both the defense and prosecution to present their respective evidence.
This legal development in Eastern Europe coincides with reports that four British women are preparing to file lawsuits against Andrew Tate. These women allege that he subjected them to acts of choking and coercive control, with one of them claiming she was a victim of rape.
These disturbing incidents are said to have occurred between 2013 and 2016, prior to Andrew’s rise to prominence on social media. The accusations include claims that he choked his victims to the point where the blood vessels in their eyes ruptured. Additionally, one woman asserts that he once sent her a disturbing text message containing the phrase, ‘I love raping you.’
Andrew vigorously denies all these allegations and has even threatened to pursue defamation charges against his accusers.
Remarkably, three of these women reported their experiences to the police during the alleged incidents. However, after a four-year investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service opted not to pursue charges.
In light of this, the women are now considering a civil case as their only recourse, as reported by The Sunday Times. They are reportedly planning to file a lawsuit against Andrew for personal injury and physical harm, with the claim expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.
Tate is also facing a similar sexual abuse lawsuit in the United Kingdom put forth by the same women. Their campaign on Crowdjustice, supporting the legal action against him, has amassed over £29,250 as of this writing.
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