The trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess, has commenced, unveiling a series of severe rape allegations against him. Prosecutors have outlined four main charges of rape amidst 38 separate allegations ranging from assault to drug-related offenses.
Høiby, who appeared visibly distressed, has pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges, which involve accusations stemming back to incidents in December 2018 and ongoing allegations from 2023. The case is particularly controversial due to his mother's recent scrutiny over alleged links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, raising further questions about the royal family's public image.
Mette-Marit has been criticized for her past interactions with Epstein following the release of numerous emails that detail their correspondence. In a climate of rising scrutiny, one organization recently stripped her of her position as patron for its annual prize, citing a mismatch between her actions and the foundation's values.
The analysis of the charges has begun, with detail about one incident describing how the victim recalled her experience as a 'big black hole', after which compromising videos were allegedly discovered by the police. Høiby’s defense team insists on his presumption of innocence and highlights the pressure stemming from the public and media attention.
The trial, which is expected to last several weeks, comes amid reports of Høiby’s previous arrests and ongoing legal issues, highlighting a tumultuous period for both him and the Norwegian royal family. With heavy restrictions placed upon the trial proceedings, including bans on courtroom photography, the implications of the verdict could resonate deeply within the familial legacy in Norway.
