Andrew Tate has pleaded his innocence after being banned from Instagram and Facebook.
The controversial former kickboxing world champion turned social media star had his accounts removed earlier on Friday for what Meta, the parent company of the two sites, claimed was for violating its policies on dangerous organisations and individuals. But Tate, who has been linked with a boxing fight with either Jake or Logan Paul, hit back, claiming old videos have been taken out of context.
In a statement released to Mirror Fighting , Tate said: "It is very unfortunate that old videos of me, where I was playing a comedic character, have been taken out of context and amplified to the point where people believe absolutely false narratives about me. In the last two weeks I dedicated over $1million to charities supporting women. I posted this on Instagram, but Instagram ignored it."
Tate was referring to an Instagram post which pledged to donate $1 to two charities for every like he received. At the time he was banned, Tate had received 550,000 likes, or a pledge of $1.2m to a charity supporting women against domestic violence and one supporting men with mental health issues.
Tate's statement continued: "I have made videos explaining that my mother is my hero, and how men should protect and provide for women. Instagram ignored it. Internet sensationalism has purported the idea that I am anti-women when nothing could be further from the truth. This is simply hate mobs who are uninterested in the facts of the matter trying to personally attack me. They twist facts and produce fancy documents full of half truths and lies to attack people they dont like.
"The media is spinning a false image of me, on repeat, and instagram bowing to pressure is a massive shame. I will always have millions of fans around the world and my platform would be a beacon of light, teaching people of all genders and races how to respect one another for years to come. Now these fans can not learn important lessons of love. Why?
"With my instagram page, I began to prove all of the negative narratives false and show the world tolerance. My fans would follow in my footsteps of tolerance and love and the world would become a better place. I was even instructing all of my supporters to be respectful in discourse against those who do not like me. My fans would respectfully and logically reply to death threats. Hate doesn't fix anything. Love does.
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"I was receiving over 10,000 death threats a day on the platform. Instagram ignored it. Somehow I am the villain, when all of my posts were bible verses and charitable donations. Banning me only inspires more internet hate mobs and more division. This will become a weapon of attack for different points of view for the foreseeable future.
"Instagram allowing me to return to educate the youth of today on the importance of respect for one another is the most powerful thing they could do. Allowing me to stay and teach respect would prevent hate mobs and internet sensationalism controlling narratives. It would be good for the future of humanity
"In time, the world will learn the true nature of my heart. I am a strictly religious man who believes god wants the truth to prevail. I have nothing but positivity to spread regarding all PEOPLE, wether male OR female, and this has been reflected in all of my recent messaging and posts.
"I am a mixed race man raised by a single mother. I suffered all of the disadvantages of the old world. I am a fantastic role model for all people, both male and female. The outpouring of support for me has been immense. I will continue my charitable acts as it is true to my nature, in time the world will understand to see beyond what they're told, to think for themselves and not believe everything they read. I am genuinely innocent. But I truly believe god will prevail."
