Andrew Tate's lawyers claim luxury lifestyle was a performance to attract followers

Legal representatives for Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have told a court that the influencer's portrayal of an uberwealthy lifestyle was a calculated role designed to generate online attention and income. The submissions state that the supercars and superyacht featured in their social media content were not owned by the brothers. Specifically, the lawyers claimed that the superyacht was promoted for payment and that high end vehicles, including Bugattis and an Aston Martin, were rented. This argument comes as the brothers seek release on bail while awaiting extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom. They were arrested in Miami, Florida, last month after British prosecutors brought 38 new charges, including rape and offences related to sex trafficking, bringing the total to 59 charges for alleged offences between 2010 and 2017. Both men deny all wrongdoing. Prosecutors have argued that the Tates are a flight risk, citing their claims of vast wealth and the use of multiple identities. In response, the defense argued that claims of being billionaires were hyperbole used for comedic effect or business purposes. They further claimed that a Mexican passport bearing the name Vladimir Scorpius was merely a cardboard prop for a Halloween costume. While center leaning reports focus on the legal tension between the flight risk arguments and the defense's claims of exaggeration, center left reporting provides additional context regarding civil lawsuits filed by four women in England over allegations of sexual violence.