Lawyers for four women say the civil case against Tate may be the first in Britain involving allegations of coercive control.

Tate’s legal issues span the United Kingdom, Romania and United States, where he faces civil and criminal investigations over alleged abuse and sexual assault.

Four women are suing Tate over claims they were subjected to sexual violence. Two of them say they worked for him as part of his webcam business and the other two say he “purported to embark upon an intimate relationship” with them.