Andrew Tate's online educational platform, "Hustlers University," now rebranded as "The Real World," continues to operate and generate substantial revenue, reportedly exceeding $10 million monthly from over 200,000 subscribers. This financial success persists despite widespread criticism, social media bans, and legal challenges faced by its founder, Andrew Tate, a controversial internet personality and former kickboxer. The platform, which promises "financial freedom" through courses in e-commerce, copywriting, cryptocurrency, and other "money-making methods," has drawn scrutiny for its business practices and the perceived influence of Tate's often misogynistic views on its predominantly male audience.
The online academy gained significant traction by encouraging its members to promote Tate's content, including controversial clips, across social media platforms. This affiliate marketing strategy, which offered commissions for new sign-ups, was a key driver of Tate's viral fame but was eventually shut down due to the extreme nature of the content being disseminated. Reports indicate that some content promoted by followers included statements like women being "a man’s property" and rape victims being "to blame for their own assaults," leading to widespread condemnation from advocacy groups.
Critics argue that while "Hustlers University" purports to teach legitimate business skills, its underlying message and the behavior it implicitly encourages are problematic. As one social media user, Ian Miles Cheong, commented in a recent tweet, "Andrew Tate would be proud of this Hustlers University graduate attempting to pick up women." This observation points to concerns that Tate's broader "alpha male" persona and rhetoric, which are often discussed within the platform's community, influence the real-world conduct of its members.
Andrew Tate has faced bans from major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, for violating policies on dangerous organizations and individuals. In addition to online censorship, Tate has been involved in legal investigations, including accusations of human trafficking and organized crime in Romania, where he resides. Despite these significant setbacks, the platform has continued to evolve, with its current iteration, "The Real World," maintaining a large subscriber base and substantial income.
The business model has been likened by some to a pyramid scheme, given its reliance on recruitment and the promotion of Tate's persona. While the platform offers various courses, some former members have reported minimal financial gains, with one account noting a "first big win" of only $11. The allure for many young men, however, remains the promise of escaping the "Matrix"—a term Tate uses to describe the traditional societal structure—and achieving wealth and status, often through unconventional means.