Andrew and Tristan Tate are seeking bail in Miami while facing extradition to the UK over 21 allegations including rape, sexual assault and trafficking for sexual exploitation. Their lawyers argue that the lavish, “alpha male” personas promoted online were exaggerated performances, which matters because prosecutors are using the brothers’ public claims of wealth, travel and multiple identities to argue they are a flight risk.

The defence says luxury cars shown online were rented and a reported £35 million yacht was not theirs, while claims of money beyond authorities’ reach were hyperbole intended to attract attention. At a Miami hearing, Tristan Tate compared their online image to the exaggerated character Borat; Andrew Tate’s partner, Natasha Sesay, also testified that he is a good father and said she is pregnant with his second child. The brothers have been held at Miami’s Federal Detention Center since 18 July after their arrest by US Marshals.