BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Apple has taken down an app developed by Andrew Tate following criticism from individuals who believe it may have operated as a pyramid scheme and promoted misogynistic content.
Additionally, Andrew Tate has faced allegations related to human trafficking and sexual assault.
Tate created the Real World Portal app, claiming it would help his followers earn substantial sums of money while also endorsing his social media content. He launched this app after the closure of his Hustler's University, an online platform aimed at his supporters.
Why did Apple remove Andrew Tate's app?
The legal team at McCue Jury & Partners, representing four British women who have leveled accusations of sexual and physical assault against Tate, has argued that the app specifically caters to a young male audience and fosters misogyny.
They contend that users of the app share advice on manipulating and exploiting women.
The company also maintained that there is substantial evidence suggesting that the app, for which members pay a monthly fee of $49.99 to join, may be operating as an illicit pyramid scheme, as per The Guardian.
The Real-World Portal app was removed from Google's Play store last week following allegations of promoting misogyny and engaging in illegal pyramid scheme activities. Additionally, Apple confirmed on Friday that it had also removed the app from its app store.
This action followed a letter from the legal team representing the victims, urging Apple to assess whether the software aligned with its policies and whether hosting it on its platform could expose the company to potential legal liability.
The part of the letter read, “We are writing because our clients are extremely concerned that you are hosting Tate’s Real World Portal (RWP) mobile application on your Apple Store … In continuing to host RWP, not only is Apple potentially indirectly financing Tate’s alleged criminal activities but is aiding the spread of his misogynistic teachings.”
According to the company, Apple reaped immediate benefits from hosting the app by collecting a 30% share of the royalties generated from app sales and in-app purchases.
Andrew Tate's app accused of 'targeting boys'
Tate is facing civil lawsuits filed by four women in their late 20s and early 30s, alleging offenses that reportedly took place between 2013 and 2016, during his residency in the UK.
The women's attorney, Matt Jury, stated the following before it was learned that Apple had removed the app: “Andrew and [his brother] Tristan Tate manipulate their significant online following to promote subscriptions to Real World Portal. From there, the benefits to users are entirely reliant upon new subscribers joining the platform."
It continued, “There is also significant evidence that this scheme is directly targeting boys and teenagers and, in my view, is nothing more than an exploitative app which has no place on Apple’s platform.”
Andrew Tate's spokesperson denies allegations
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate are currently awaiting trial in Romania on charges related to human trafficking. These charges come alongside allegations of rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Andrew Tate's spokesperson stated, “We unequivocally deny the allegations that ‘The Real World’ app operates as a pyramid scheme or perpetuates harmful techniques aimed at exploiting any individuals, particularly women."
"The user community, which includes a significant number of women within the 200,000-strong user base, can attest to the positive impact and educational value the app provides."
“Accusations suggesting otherwise are unfounded, lacking credible evidence, and seem to be part of a targeted campaign against Andrew Tate, a known supporter and promoter of the platform. ‘The Real World’ maintains a commitment to complete transparency, ensuring compliance with all legal and ethical standards."
"We invite skeptics to examine the app independently and affirm that it operates in accordance with legal and moral requirements. The platform is designed as an educational tool that fosters healthy habit formation, financial literacy, and self-discipline, with thousands of lives positively impacted. The decision by Google Play is being appealed.”
