Andrew and Tristan Tate urge release on bail while fighting extradition to U.K.

Andrew and Tristan Tate took the witness stand in federal court on Thursday and said they can’t adequately defend themselves from criminal sex charges if they have to remain in a Miami jail while fighting extradition to the United Kingdom .

During nearly two hours in a Miami courtroom, the Tates, in shackles and tan jail jumpsuits, denied under oath criminal accusations across multiple countries, blasted their critics and described their brash online personas that exude wealth and excess as characters and not their true personalities.

The hearing ended after eight hours without a decision from U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis, and the brothers headed back to jail.

Prosecutors said the Tates are liars who exaggerate all the time. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abbie Waxman told a judge that Andrew Tate is accused of choking and holding victims and raping them while Tristan Tate is accused of human trafficking, money laundering and violence against minors.

The brothers also face sex crime charges in Romania and prosecutors said they have contacted witnesses in that case and talked about it on video.

“They promote incredible violence against women consistent with the allegations against them,” Waxman said.

Andrew Tate said he is innocent, can’t work with his Romanian lawyers while in jail in America and fears his absence will mean an unfair life sentence in Eastern Europe.

Lawyers for the Tates are asking Louis to allow them to be freed from custody at least until an extradition hearing can be held on their U.K. rape and trafficking charges. They have remained in a federal detention center in Miami since they were arrested July 18.

Their lawyers argued that their high profile and active social media presence make it nearly impossible for them to flee.

Their lawyers spent more than an hour mostly repeating arguments from court filings that the U.K.’s request was out of line because their criminal case in Romania is going first.

Romanian officials have let them remain free until the proceedings conclude and they have not tried to flee and are complying with all court restrictions.

The judge reminded defence lawyers that she has to follow U.S. laws, but she did ask them to report to her by Monday on what happens if the Tates miss a hearing in Romania.

No date for an extradition hearing has been set. The U.K. has until mid-September to provide evidence to the State Department.

Prosecutors said the brothers appear to have money and have bragged about multiple passports.