A Hong Kong women’s rights group has criticised authorities for allowing controversial British-American influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are facing rape and human trafficking charges abroad, to enter the city, saying the decision contradicts the government’s commitment to women’s safety.
As the brothers continued to publicise their activities in the city, the Rosewood Hong Kong – reported to be hosting them – told the South China Morning Post on Tuesday that it “does not condone discrimination, racism or any form of hateful or exclusionary conduct”.
The brothers, who both face rape and human trafficking charges in Romania and the United Kingdom, entered Hong Kong over the weekend, sparking heated discussions online and outrage over why they were permitted entry.
The Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women told the SCMP that the pair should be categorised as “undesirable for entry” by Hong Kong authorities, citing their links to multiple incidents of sexual violence and their status as high-profile figures facing serious criminal charges in several countries.
“Allowing their entry not only sends a worrying message but also stands in direct contrast to the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and ensuring the safety of women and the public,” the group said.
“The association urges the authorities to uphold these standards to ensure the continued protection of the Hong Kong public and social security.”
Upon their arrival, the Tate brothers have posted several video journals documenting their activities in the city, with the latest clip posted by Andrew showing them visiting the popular “villain-hitting” stalls under the Canal Road flyover in Causeway Bay.
In the video, he patronised a stall and wrote the name “Ben Shapiro” on a paper effigy before a ritual performer struck it with a shoe. Shapiro, a prominent American conservative commentator, has publicly traded barbs with Tate.
The brothers are reportedly staying at the Rosewood hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui, one of the city’s top-rated properties.
A woman named Nikita, who has booked a room at the Rosewood this coming Sunday, told the SCMP she felt “racially abused and targeted” by management after alleging the property allowed the Tates to record what she described as “white supremacist content” on the premises.
Her complaint followed a post by Andrew Tate on X on Saturday, in which he claimed there were no black people in the hotel, accompanied by a video showing the brothers looking out from a balcony.
In response, the Rosewood told the SCMP it took all guest feedback seriously and was committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for both guests and staff.
The hotel emphasised that it operated in full compliance with local laws and regulations, and “does not condone discrimination, racism or any form of hateful or exclusionary conduct”.
“The views expressed by any external individuals on their personal platforms are their own and do not reflect the values or positions of our property.”
Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 37, were arrested in Romania in December 2022 and charged in June 2023 with rape, human trafficking and forming an organised crime group.
In May last year, prosecutors in the UK also announced charges against both brothers for rape, assault and trafficking offences. Some of Andrew’s UK charges were later dropped, although civil proceedings remain active.
After Romanian authorities lifted their travel ban early last year, the brothers travelled to the United States, arriving in Florida, and have since been seen in other countries despite ongoing legal proceedings.
They are currently bound by legal restrictions, including travel limitations. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
