Release of Andrew Tate sends 'alarming message' to women, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre says

Eva Osborne

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said the release of Andrew and Tristan Tate to the United States before the conclusion of a criminal investigation sends an alarming message to women around the world.

The organisation said it sends a negative message of impunity around misogyny and sexual violence.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's chief executive, Rachel Morrogh, said: “It is absolutely horrifying that one of the most influential countries in the world has successfully lobbied to ease travel restrictions on these men, who have promoted and normalised a hatred of women.

"The Tates have been investigated and charged with serious crimes against women and this is something that must not be glossed over or normalised.

“As well as this, their poisonous narrative online may be indirectly responsible for the trauma and misery of women and girls who have experienced sexual, psychological and physical violence at the hands of men who idolise the Tates and subscribe to their messaging.

“At Dublin Rape Crisis Centre we see the downstream effects of the kind of misogynist-industry that the Tates have built. Their rhetoric has real-world consequences for women and girls and although every perpetrator of sexual violence is 100% responsible for their own actions, the amplification of the Tates’ messaging online is harmful.

“In our annual report for 2023, we highlighted the observation of our therapists that our new clients are reporting higher levels of other types of violence in addition to sexual violence.

“Welcoming the Tates to the United States sends an incredibly negative message to women about their value in today’s society. It shows how easily progress on sexual violence can be rowed back. Normalising and validating the Tates’ poisonous messages will have impacts that will be observed amongst our client community in the years to come, but we also believe it is damaging to the boys and men who consume this content.

“We hope that this is something that the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, would consider raising with President Donald Trump if he visits the United States for St. Patrick’s Day.”