Meta has removed the profiles of influencer Andrew Tate from Facebook and Instagram.

Former kick-boxer-turned-businessman/influencer Andrew Tate has been banned from Meta apps Facebook and Instagram for violation of its policies.Tate who has received backlash for his polarising views gained traction via social media with him being first banned from Twitter for stating women should "bear responsibility" for being sexually assaulted.

The online figure, had amassed up to 4.7 million followers on Instagram at the point which his account was removed, the figure which rapidly grew from his 1 million followers in June. Meta have stated they had to remove the former Big Brother contestant as a result of him violating their policies on dangerous organisations and individuals but have yet to provide any further details on the matter.T

ate has received heavy criticism for his views but has gained a cult-following of many young men and boys.Joe Mulhall, director of research at UK advocacy group, Hope Not Hate, has stated Tate poses a genuine threat to young men, radicalising them towards extremism misogyny, racism and homophobia".He adds, "We've provided significant evidence to the major social media platforms, including Meta, about his activity and why he must be removed.

"We welcome Meta's swift action to remove Andrew Tate and we'll be putting pressure on TikTok to follow this example. They must act now to prevent further spread of these extremist views."His views have been shared across all social media apps but have gained particular notoriety through TikTok where videos under the hashtag #AndrewTate have been viewed up to 12.7 billion times and his YouTube videos amassing millions of views. The controversial star has openly admitted to his misogynistic views and stated he was "absolutely a misogynist" Adding, "I'm a realist and when you're a realist you're sexist. There's no way you can be rooted in reality and not be sexist".Tate has yet to comment on the his removal from the social media apps.