What are the main criticisms of Andrew Tate?
The main criticisms of Andrew Tate fall into five areas: his public statements about women, which platforms cited when they banned him; his posts dismissing depression; a business model that sells "escape" through paid memberships; wealth and success claims that have never been independently verified; and a "the Matrix is against me" framing that treats every criticism as proof he is right. Separately, he faces serious criminal allegations in Romania and the UK, which he denies and for which he has not been convicted.
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This page sets out each criticism with a source, and what his supporters say in reply, so you can judge it yourself rather than react to a clip.
1. His statements about women
Critics point first to his own words. NPR reported that Twitter permanently suspended him in 2017 after he tweeted that women who are sexually assaulted "bear some responsibility". In August 2022 Meta removed him from Facebook and Instagram for breaching its policies on dangerous individuals and hate speech, and TikTok banned him, saying "misogyny is a hateful ideology that is not tolerated on TikTok" (NPR).
The criticism is not that he is blunt. Critics say he has repeatedly talked about women in terms of control, and that this is presented to young men as a model of how to be a man.
What supporters say: that he is joking, exaggerating for effect, or describing "reality". He has, at times, said some remarks were jokes or role-play.
2. What he has said about depression
In September 2017 he posted that depression is "over prescribed by 10,000%" and referred to "the depression lie", as reported by PhillyVoice. The posts drew heavy backlash, with critics saying messages like this can stop people seeking help. The NHS describes depression as a real illness that is treatable, with most people recovering given the right support.
What supporters say: that he is pushing personal responsibility and action. Critics reply that encouraging action is fine, but telling someone their illness is a "lie" is not.
If you are struggling, talk to a GP or doctor. In the UK, Samaritans is free on 116 123, any time.
His Words, the Business, the Record. £304.50 one-time, instant download.
3. The business model
His online membership, Hustler's University, later rebranded The Real World, charged a monthly fee for lessons on making money. Critics argue that its rapid growth in 2022 was widely reported to be driven by an affiliate scheme in which members earned commission for signing up others, often by posting his clips. That matters for two reasons:
- Reach is not the same as truth. If people are paid to spread content, its popularity tells you little about whether it is right.
- The money may come from recruiting, not the skill. When a course about getting rich grows by paying members to recruit, it is fair to ask how many people earned from the skills taught and how many from the referrals.
UK regulators have warned about "get rich quick" promotions more generally: the FCA and ASA warned finfluencers about the risks of promoting illegal schemes.
What supporters say: that members get real lessons, a community and motivation for a low monthly price.
4. Unverified wealth and the "Matrix"
He has made very large claims about his wealth over the years, sometimes later called jokes. Critics note that no independent source has verified those figures. More broadly, his central idea is that school, jobs, the media and governments form "the Matrix", a system keeping men poor and weak. Critics argue this framing cannot lose: bans, arrests and criticism are all explained as the Matrix attacking him. A claim that treats every piece of contrary evidence as proof is closer to a loyalty test than an argument.
What supporters say: that many institutions do fail young men, and that he is one of few people saying so. That part of the concern is real; the criticism is about the conclusions drawn from it.
5. Influence on teenage boys
Teachers and researchers have raised concerns about how quickly such content reaches young users. A study led by UCL with the University of Kent found that, in its modelling, the share of misogynistic videos recommended on TikTok's For You page rose from 13% to 56% over five days (UCL). That study is about algorithms and misogynistic content in general, not only Tate, but it is often cited in discussions of his reach.
6. The criminal allegations
These are allegations, and he denies all of them. Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Romania in December 2022, and in June 2023 Romanian prosecutors charged them with offences including rape, human trafficking and forming an organised crime group (NPR). In May 2025 the UK's Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it had authorised charges against both brothers, including rape and human trafficking (PBS NewsHour). Neither has been convicted. The courts will decide guilt; many critics argue that, separately, the allegations are reason enough to look elsewhere for advice on how to treat women.
How to weigh the criticisms fairly
- Go to the source. Check what he actually said, in full, rather than a cut clip from either side.
- Separate the advice from the adviser. "Train and work hard" is good advice from anyone. Ask whether the rest holds up.
- Keep allegations and facts apart. Statements and bans are on the record; criminal charges are allegations until a court decides.
- Apply the same test to everyone you follow. How did they make their money? Can their theory ever be wrong? Who pays for their reach?
Key takeaways
- Criticisms centre on his statements about women and depression, his business model, unverified claims and an unfalsifiable "Matrix" worldview.
- Platforms cited hate speech and misogyny when they banned him in 2022.
- His supporters point to his messages about discipline, work and self-reliance, which are sound on their own.
- He faces criminal charges in Romania and the UK, which he denies; he has not been convicted.
- Judge any influencer on their full record and a consistent test, not on clips.
For a fuller, sourced account, including how the persuasion works, why it appeals and where to get the useful parts, Why You Shouldn't Listen to Andrew Tate marks every allegation as an allegation and includes a seven-question test you can use on any guru.
FAQ
Why was Andrew Tate banned from social media?
In August 2022 Meta said he broke its policies on dangerous individuals and organisations and hate speech, and TikTok said misogyny is not tolerated on its platform. He had been suspended from Twitter in 2017 and was later reinstated in 2022.
Has Andrew Tate been found guilty of anything?
No. He faces charges in Romania and the UK, including rape and human trafficking, which he denies. He has not been convicted of any crime.
Is anything he says reasonable?
Some advice, such as training regularly, working hard and taking responsibility, is reasonable and widely shared. Critics argue it is bundled with views on women and mental health that undermine it.
Why is Andrew Tate so controversial?
Because his content mixes popular self-improvement advice with statements about women and depression that many find harmful, spread rapidly to young audiences, and is followed by serious legal allegations that he denies.
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His Words, the Business, the Record. £304.50 one-time, instant download.