Lawyers representing four British women who have accused controversial social media influencer and alleged sex trafficker Andrew Tate have called on Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) to reconsider hosting Tate’s Real World Portal app on the App Store.
A letter written to Apple by McCue Jury & Partners dated 15 September and published by The Guardian said its clients were “extremely concerned that you are hosting Tate’s Real World Portal (RWP) mobile application on your Apple Store”.
“In continuing to host RWP, not only is Apple potentially indirectly financing Tate’s alleged criminal activities but is aiding the spread of his misogynistic teachings,” the firm said.
Since Apple takes 30% of royalties from in-app purchases, the tech giant is also profiting from RWP.
Matt Jury, the lawyer representing the women, said: “Andrew and Tristan Tate manipulate their significant online following to promote subscriptions to Real World Portal. From there, the benefits to users are entirely reliant upon new subscribers joining the platform."
The Guardian published a reply by a Tate spokesperson: “We unequivocally deny the allegations that ‘The Real World’ app operates as a pyramid scheme or perpetuates harmful techniques aimed at exploiting any individuals, particularly women. The user community, which includes a significant number of women within the 200,000-strong user base, can attest to the positive impact and educational value the app provides."
A selection of the supposed multimillionaire mentors involved with the Real World Portal – Source: the realworldportal.com
According to Real World’s website, “278,254+ have already taken advantage of this opportunity”, though it doesn’t specify if this number refers to app downloads or memberships.
“The Real World is a global community by Andrew Tate where like-minded individuals are striving to acquire an abundance of wealth,” the website states. “Every member receives advanced training and mentoring from our team of millionaire industry specialists.
“We’ve successfully transformed thousands of lives through our money-focused, unique education system.”
The app purports to teach copywriting, freelancing, crypto, e-commerce, automation, content creation and health and fitnesss for $49.99 per month.
The website’s call to action consists of two buttons. One, a red pill enticing you to “join the real world”, takes you to the sign-up page. Another, a blue pill telling you to “go watch Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX)”, conveniently takes you the netflix.com.
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