Google has removed Andrew Tate’s online “learning platform” from Google Play after campaigners claimed that influencer’s “The Real World” app is a pyramid scam that exploits teenagers and ultimately steers them into misogynistic ideology.
Tate’s app was removed from the Android app store on Tuesday which put pressure on Apple to do the same and remove the software from its App Store. In relation to the app, campaigners and VICE News have also contacted Apple, but no action has been made as of yet.
The Real World is marketed as a “global community of like-minded individuals striving to acquire an abundance of wealth” created by Tate, the notorious British-American influencer, who – despite facing charges in Romania of rape, human trafficking and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women – retains a large following among young men and boys worldwide.
The site, formerly known as “Hustlers University,” promises to give subscribers expert tuition in business and online entrepreneurship, with video lessons and mentorship from supposed “multi-millionaire experts” on topics like copywriting, e-commerce, crypto and stocks.
Despite the serious charges faced by Tate, his app has proven wildly popular among young men, and social media platforms are flooded with content from members, many in their early teens, some even younger, boasting about the money they claim to have made and encouraging others to sign up.
More than 220,000 users were reported to be using the dedicated Discord channel set up for subscribers at one point last year.
