The influencer Andrew Tate will continue to be held in custody after the Bucharest Court of Appeal rejected his appeal against detention.

Tate, 36, and his brother Tristan were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal organisation. Both brothers deny the allegations.

A judge previously extended their detention until February 27, a decision upheld by the Bucharest Court of Appeal.

The judge noted the potential for the defendants to exercise psychological control over the victims through acts of violence. No charges have been filed against the brothers yet.

Before the appeal was rejected, Tate's newly-hired US legal advisor, Tina Glandian, argued that their detention without charge for over 30 days was a violation of international human rights. Glandian, who has represented high-profile figures such as Mike Tyson and Chris Brown and specialises in international human rights, alleged that outside pressures affected the case but did not elaborate on what those pressures were. The Tate brothers have also employed a communications specialist to handle media interest in the case.

Andrew Tate rose to fame in 2016 after being removed from the UK TV show "Big Brother" over a video that appeared to show him attacking a woman. Despite social media bans, he gained popularity by promoting a luxurious lifestyle. He appeared in videos showing off expensive sports cars, private jets, and luxurious vacations.