Meta has banned influencer Andrew Tate from Facebook and Instagram, which he has slammed as a result of “internet sensationalism” and “hate mobs who are uninterested in facts”.
A former kickboxer, Tate has garnered an audience in the millions on social media, portraying himself as a self-proclaimed influencer and notorious for his controversial opinions on women, masculinity and wealth.
Social media influencer Andrew Tate
Tate has also attracted widespread condemnation for his views including that he “would not let a female drive in” a car and that women should “bear responsibility” for being sexually assaulted.
Meta confirmed he was removed from Instagram and Facebook for violating policies on “dangerous organisations and individuals”, according to The Guardian.
In 2017, Tate was banned from Twitter; despite his popularity on TikTok where videos of him have been shared millions of times, he does not have his own account on the platform.
In a lengthy statement to a UK newspaper, Tate said his Instagram account was banned because old videos “where I was playing a comedic character” were taken out of context. He claimed Instagram ignored his “dedications” to charities supporting women, videos saying his mother is his hero, and the thousands of death threats he received on the photo-sharing app.
Andrew Tate has been banned from Instagram and Facebook
“I will always have millions of fans around the world and my platform would be a beacon of light, teaching people of all genders and races how to respect one another for years to come. Now these fans cannot learn important lessons of love. Why?
“With my Instagram page, I began to prove all of the negative narratives false and show the world tolerance. My fans would follow in my footsteps of tolerance and love and the world would become a better place. I was even instructing all of my supporters to be respectful in discourse against those who do not like me. My fans would respectfully and logically reply to death threats.
“Somehow I am the villain, when all of my posts were bible verses and charitable donations. Banning me only inspires more internet hate mobs and more division. This will become a weapon of attack for different points of view for the foreseeable future.
“Instagram allowing me to return to educate the youth of today on the importance of respect for one another is the most powerful thing they could do. Allowing me to stay and teach respect would prevent hate mobs and internet sensationalism controlling narratives. It would be good for the future of humanity,” he said.
Born in Chicago, USA, and raised in Luton, England, Tate now lives in Romania, where, as explained in one of his videos, he purportedly registered his home as a shooting range so that he could keep several firearms on the premises.
Tate has admitted to being investigated by authorities for allegedly abusing a woman and participating in human trafficking, accusations he has continuously denied and has maintained were dismissed by the police.
If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 131 114, or 1800 RESPECT, a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, on 1800 737 732.
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