Apple removes Andrew Tate app from App Store amid misogyny and pyramid scheme claims

Andrew Tate has been released from house arrest (Andreea Alexandru/AP) (AP)

The “Real World Portal” app, developed by Andrew Tate, has been removed from the App Store because of allegations that it promoted misogyny and may have been a pyramid scheme.

Tate developed the Real World Portal, a paid software that provided online education and a community on a variety of topics, including finance, after his “Hustler’s University” platform was shut down.

The app, which cost $49.99 (£40) per month and was targeted towards young men, was taken down from Apple’s App Store on Friday. It had already been taken down from the Google Play Store.

Apple informed The Guardian that it had obtained a letter from McCue Jury & Partners on behalf of four British women who had accused Tate of sexual and physical assault. The clients of the company were described as being “extremely concerned” in the letter dated September 15 regarding the app’s entry into the App Store.

Part of the letter stated: “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”.

Tate is being sued in civil court by four women in their late 20s and early 30s for alleged misdeeds that allegedly occurred between 2013 and 2016 when he was still a resident of the UK.

Attorney Matt Jury said Tate and his brother Tristan “manipulate their sizable online following to promote subscriptions to Real World Portal” before the app was taken down from the App Store. From there, the advantages for users completely depend on whether new subscribers sign up for the platform.

According to Jury, the app “is nothing more than an exploitative app that has no place on Apple’s platform,” and there is “significant evidence” that it specifically targeted adolescent males.

A spokesperson for Andrew Tate said: “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.”

In Romania, Andrew Tate along with his brother Tristan are currently awaiting trial on allegations of human trafficking. Both have denied the allegations.