Andrew Tate makes a comeback to TikTok amid free speech criticism
Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan recently announced their comeback to TikTok after being banned from the platform in 2022 over derogatory comments about women and several other controversial actions. On the contrary, right after announcing his return to the platform, Andrew Tate accused TikTok of deleting one of his videos.
Tate’s accusations led to several discussions about TikTok’s moderation and free speech policy. This all comes in after the platform was banned in the US including other applications under the ByteDance umbrella due to breaching US laws, but was later brought back after President Trump took to the White House on Jan. 20, 2025.
The controversial influencer who recently announced his interest in running for UK Prime Minister in 2028 said in a 24-second reel, “Suposedley TikTok is back as a free speech application because we have a real president again [Trump]… The world is about to change.”
He added, “If Trump changed the world like I believe he has, I think it’s time to bring it back.”
Andrew Tate makes a comeback to TikTok amid free speech criticism
He also took to Musk’s X (formerly known as Twitter) and wrote, “IM BACK ON TIKTOK. Has free speech been restored!?” Only hours later he came back with another post saying, “TIKTOK DELETED MY VIDEO. THEYRE NOT FREE SPEECH.”
Same as his brother, Tristan Tate also announced his comeback to the popular video-sharing platform and wrote, “Wow I’m back on TikTok guys!!!! Glad they’re pro free speech now!!!!” Following a 47-second video celebrating it.
A parody TikTok account replied to Tate and wrote, “You’re welcome.”
Before its comeback, TikTok users in the US shared screenshots of the application showcasing a statement saying “TikTok isn’t available right now”
The statement added, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”
