Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
Social media posts say online influencer Andrew Tate is out of Romanian custody. He’s not.
If Your Time is short
- A judge recently extended Andrew Tate’s detention in Romania for 30 days.
Ex-kickboxer and online influencer Andrew Tate remains in custody following his Dec. 29 arrest in Romania, but a recent Instagram post declared him both innocent and free.
"Andrew’s official release from prison," the Feb. 21 post says. "Finally this innocent man is proven not guilty."
This post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)
A self-described misogynist, Tate, who has 5.1 million Twitter followers, is under investigation on suspicion of sexual assault and exploitation. Tate’s lawyer has said there is "no evidence" against him and that Tate was "playing a character" on social media.
Featured Fact-check
Something did happen on Feb. 21 but it wasn’t Tate’s release — rather, a court in Bucharest extended his detention by 30 more days.
A judge had previously extended Tate’s custody until Feb. 27.
We rate claims that Tate has been released and proved innocent False.
Our Sources
Instagram post, Feb. 21, 2023
PolitiFact, Andrew Tate remains in Romanian custody but he hasn’t been charged, convicted or sentenced, Jan. 25, 2023
The Guardian, Romanian court extends Andrew Tate detention by 30 days, Feb. 21, 2023
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Ciara O'Rourke
Social media posts say online influencer Andrew Tate is out of Romanian custody. He’s not.
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.