Andrew and Tristan Tate arrive in Almaty

Photo: instagram.com/theeducationalplatform, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Andrew Tate, a controversial American-British influencer and former kickboxer, arrived in Almaty with his brother Tristan. The visit came as a surprise to Kazakhstani internet users, who learned about the brothers’ trip through their Instagram Stories.

Later, another video appeared online showing Tate and his brother sitting in an Almaty wine bar with men in business suits. Although the purpose of their visit is unclear, Andrew mentioned that the trip is business-related.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от @wudanupdates

The influencer commented on his visit on Instagram in his usual style.

«I’m currently in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Surprisingly clean city, surprisingly modern. They got Saks Fifth Avenue. I didn’t expect that. The Kazakhs kind of feel like humans from an alien planet, because all of the references that we use to build our view of society don’t apply to them. They don’t know what LGBT is; they don’t know what feminism is; they don’t know about Zionism; they don’t know about open borders; they don’t know about any of these things. And when I ask them what they think of the West, what they think of America, they say ‘those people are distracted.’ It’s such a weird turn of phrase to say ‘distracted,’» he said.

It remains unclear how long the brothers plan to stay in Kazakhstan and whether their visit is purely business-related. Notably, nearly a year ago, Kazakh Instagram blogger Dinmukhammed Syzdykov presented Tate with a Kazakh shapan (traditional coat).

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Dinmukhammed Syzdykov (@dinmukhammed)

Andrew Tate is a former kickboxing champion and one of the most controversial internet influencers. He has become particularly well known online for his misogynistic statements and frequent scandals.

Last year, the U.K. charged the brothers with 21 counts, including rape, human trafficking, causing bodily harm and organizing prostitution. According to investigators, the alleged crimes occurred between 2012 and 2015. The brothers remain defendants in a criminal case in Romania and their extradition to the U.K. will be considered after the conclusion of the local trial. Both brothers deny all charges.