Fact Check: "Andrew Tate gained 10 million followers by promoting sexism."
What We Know
Andrew Tate, a British-American social media influencer and former kickboxer, has gained significant notoriety for his controversial views on masculinity and women. As of January 2025, he boasts over 10 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) alone (source-1). His rise to fame is largely attributed to his promotion of misogynistic ideologies, which he openly embraces. Tate has described himself as a misogynist and has made statements suggesting that women are responsible for sexual assault and that they "belong" to men in marriage (source-2).
His content often emphasizes "antagonistic masculinity" and includes courses that teach men how to manipulate women into working as webcam models, which he refers to as part of his "recruitment system" (source-2). Despite being banned from several major social media platforms for violating their policies on hate speech, clips of his content continue to circulate widely, contributing to his follower count (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Andrew Tate gained 10 million followers by promoting sexism is partially true. While it is evident that his rise in popularity is closely linked to his promotion of misogynistic content, the dynamics of social media and follower engagement are complex. Tate's followers are not a monolithic group; they include individuals who are drawn to his provocative style and those who resonate with his anti-establishment rhetoric.
Tate's content has been described as both a self-help guide for young men and a celebration of toxic masculinity, which has been linked to increased sexism and hostility in educational environments (source-1, source-6). His ability to maintain and grow his follower base, even amid legal troubles and public backlash, suggests that his brand thrives on controversy, which often attracts more attention and engagement (source-1, source-4).
However, it is crucial to note that while a significant portion of his audience may be attracted to his misogynistic views, many others may follow him for different reasons, such as curiosity or the allure of his extravagant lifestyle. This complexity indicates that while sexism is a substantial part of his appeal, it is not the sole reason for his follower count.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "Andrew Tate gained 10 million followers by promoting sexism" is Partially True. While his promotion of sexist ideologies has undoubtedly played a significant role in attracting a large following, the motivations of his audience are varied and cannot be solely attributed to his misogynistic content. His brand's success is intertwined with controversy, which often enhances visibility and engagement on social media platforms.
Sources
- As Andrew Tate faces charges, his followers will double-down
- Andrew Tate: Self-Proclaimed Misogynist and “King of Toxic Masculinity”
- Andrew Tate Says Women 'Shouldn't Vote'
- How toxic masculinity became big business
- Social media influencers like Andrew Tate are fuelling rise in sexism
- Andrew Tate's ideology driving sexual harassment, sexism in classrooms
- How do you solve a problem like Andrew Tate?
- Beyond Andrew Tate: the imitators who help promote misogyny online
