Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, often criticized by mainstream media, may soon join it thanks to today’s announcement of BuzzFeed News effectively shutting down.
The two brothers have all but redefined what it means to be social media influencers, and have soared in popularity over the past year. Despite ongoing legal troubles and negative media attention — which many argue is justified — they have maintained a significant fanbase, many of whom subscribe to the brothers’ website, where the Tates post exclusive videos meant to inspire, encourage, and teach “tried-and-tested methods and how to make money online.”
However, controversy also surrounds the duo. Although they make significant money through their website, their business practices fall short of commonly-accepted ethics, to say the least. Tate hires and manages webcam performers, women who offer sexually explicit shows to a paid audience. Usually housed in his mansion, the women then pay Andrew high royalties. Three of the women who worked for him have recently alleged manipulation and abuse, adding that they witnessed Tate hold a gun to a woman’s head.
As many already know, the Tate brothers were arrested and jailed three months ago in Romania under suspicion that their webcam business partook in human trafficking, and were only recently released to house arrest. Tate’s alleged manipulative ways were at the core of the investigation, though it’s worth mentioning that no formal charges have been filed as of this writing.
Yesterday, BuzzFeed News ran what Andrew claims is a “hit piece.” Drawn largely from court documents obtained by BuzzFeed News, the article reports that Andrew, through accomplices, was trying to intimidate witnesses. BuzzFeed News also writes that according to these documents, “the Tates devised a plot for Andrew to flee to Dubai.” However, BuzzFeed News does not elaborate how the documents substantiate this, exactly. The Dubai plot, in particular, suggests the brothers are a flight risk, so it it makes little sense that the Tates were released from detainment and placed under house arrest.
So what would be the outcome of the Tate brothers purchasing BuzzFeed News? What if they had their own already-established news platform? They could counter the negative media attention, and control their own narrative. And considering the sheer size of their fanbase, it would likely make a major impact — at least at first.
Today, the Tate brothers took to Twitter. Tristan tagged BuzzFeed News and asked them whether the division is for sale, adding that he and his brother are interested in buying the division. For his part, Andrew vented his frustrations, celebrated their downfall, joked that he would fire everyone, and then put up a poll asking whether he and his brother should buy Twitter. In just three hours, over 100,000 weighed in, with 64% voting “yes.”
Is it all a joke?
One might think so — and many would hope so — but followers of the brothers reportedly regard Tristan as straightforward and no-nonsense, suggesting that the brothers Tate are indeed interested in buying BuzzFeed News. They certainly have a lot of money, but it’s still a risk. Running a news organization is hardly easy work, even though Andrew and Tristan Tate would almost certainly have people run it for them, stepping in to make sure they publish content that frames them in a positive light.
Politically, they would also likely run a more right-leaning platform, considering Andrew’s comments about Trump and his outspoken agreement with conservative ideals.
Tristan has also tweeted at Vice News asking whether it’s for sale; it seems that the brothers are committed to finding a news platform to take over. However, Vice also ran a “hit piece” on Andrew just a few months ago, with a wildly-revealing video interview, so there is still that possibility that they are just committed to showing off that they can buy these companies, if they so choose.
It’s this author’s opinion that they wouldn’t hesitate to buy BuzzFeed News if the price was right, and considering BuzzFeed’s announcement today about closing its news division, the price is likely never going to be as right as it is now.