The Crown Prosecution Service (“CPS”) in England and Wales has now authorised a lengthy list of charges against the Internet ‘manosphere’ personality Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate.
These charges cover a range of offences including rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking for allegations dating back to 2012 to 2015. It is not known whether the CPS will revive previous allegations made in 2019 by four women to the Hertfordshire Police, which were closed without charge.
The rise of the manosphere and popular misogyny
News of the Tate brothers being formally charged by the CPS is sure to garner support from women’s rights groups and educators, many of whom have expressed concerns regarding the flavour of masculinity that they peddle among men and young boys.
Worries about the influence and reach of the Tate brothers, Andrew in particular, have in the last several years weighed on the minds of parents, teachers, and other groups concerned about the impact that this is having on young people’s perceptions of masculinity and respect for women. It will have no doubt inspired the recently popular Netflix show, Adolescence, which explored a worst-case scenario impact of misogyny on young boys.
The Tate brothers are currently involved in Romanian criminal investigations for similar offences, some of which include sex with and trafficking of minors. Upon completion of the Romanian proceedings, the brothers are due to be extradited back to the United Kingdom to be tried here.
What happens to the victims if the charges are dropped?
While it remains unclear the strength of the CPS case against the Tate brothers in the criminal courts, their victims may still have recourse by way of a civil claim.
The civil courts in England and Wales can hear civil compensation claims for matters like rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment on the basis that a victim has suffered a personal injury, including for psychiatric injuries. This may well be an avenue available to the complainants in the criminal matter against the Tate brothers – however, they would need to be mindful of any statute of limitations that would apply to their case.
Considering the charges relate to allegations dating back to 2012 to 2015, the complainants are likely out of time for a civil claim. However, the courts have discretion to disapply this limitation, if they can show that there were good reasons for the delay.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, know that the shame should not be yours to bear. There are many resources available to support you through your healing, such as independent charities dedicated to helping victims.
If you wish to consult with a solicitor about abuse that you have suffered, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Here at McAllister Olivarius, our trauma-informed solicitors will always provide you with comprehensive information and guide you every step of the way in your pursuit of justice.
