Romania’s foreign minister has denied facing any pressure from U.S. officials regarding the case of social media influencer Andrew Tate, who remains under investigation for human trafficking charges. Despite reports of discussions about Tate’s legal status, Minister Emil Hurezeanu clarified that no formal demands were made.
According to sources cited by the Financial Times, U.S. officials raised concerns about Tate and his brother Tristan in a conversation with Romanian authorities. Richard Grenell, a former U.S. special envoy, allegedly followed up with Hurezeanu during the Munich Security Conference, discussing the possibility of returning the brothers’ passports and allowing them to travel while awaiting court proceedings.
The Tate brothers, both former kickboxers holding dual U.S. and British citizenship, are currently barred from leaving Romania due to accusations of forming an organized criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, and money laundering. They have consistently denied all allegations.
Andrew Tate, a controversial internet personality, was previously banned from multiple social media platforms before regaining access after Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter). His high-profile legal battles have drawn significant international attention.
In an interview with Euronews, Hurezeanu acknowledged his brief exchange with Grenell but dismissed claims of diplomatic pressure. He described their discussion as informal and non-binding. “I did not perceive this statement as pressure, just a repeat of a known stance,” Hurezeanu stated. “Our conversation was cordial, brief, and certainly not coercive.”
This clarification follows a series of legal developments concerning the Tate brothers. In December, a Bucharest court declined to initiate a trial against them, citing issues with the indictment. Subsequently, in January, Romanian authorities lifted their house arrest order, replacing it with a less restrictive measure. In October, another court ruling allowed Tate to reclaim luxury cars valued at approximately 4 million euros ($4.43 million), which had been seized as part of the investigation.
The situation has sparked broader discussions about international influence and legal processes in Romania. During the Munich conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized European governments for allegedly suppressing free speech and political opposition. He also condemned Romania’s recent presidential election annulment, suggesting that the decision lacked substantial evidence.
Romania’s highest court had ordered a rerun of the election after suspicions arose regarding Russian interference. The unexpected first-round victory of pro-Russian far-right candidate Calin Georgescu fueled concerns about external manipulation. However, Russia has denied any involvement in Romania’s electoral processes.
Despite external scrutiny, Romanian authorities maintain that legal proceedings against the Tate brothers will continue independently. Hurezeanu emphasized that the judiciary remains free from foreign influence and that any decision regarding the case will be determined solely through legal channels.
As the investigation unfolds, the Tate brothers remain under strict legal conditions in Romania. While their supporters call for leniency, Romanian authorities insist that due process will be followed. The case continues to draw widespread attention, underscoring the complex intersection of international diplomacy, legal proceedings, and media influence.
