A court sketch depicts Marius Borg Høiby in the witness box at Oslo district court, as his trial unfolds with serious allegations of violence and abuse. The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit faces 38 criminal charges, including four counts of rape and multiple assaults, in a case that has drawn intense public and media attention.
Allegations of Frequent Violence and Control
Nora Haukland, a well-known influencer and TV personality who was in a relationship with Høiby from 2022 to 2023, provided detailed testimony in court. She described an incident where Høiby allegedly punched her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground, after which he kicked her in the back while shouting aggressively. Haukland emotionally recounted how an audio recording played in court captured Høiby calling her a "fucking lying whore," leading her to break down in tears during the proceedings.
When questioned about specific events, Haukland stated that Høiby "often" grabbed her by the throat, though she could not recall a particular incident in April 2023 where a witness reported she was pushed against a refrigerator. She emphasized that his behavior was part of a pattern of control, saying, "He didn't really want me to do anything. I think he wanted to keep me down to a level where I was more powerless."
Patterns of Control and Royal Family Involvement
Haukland further testified that Høiby attempted to dominate her career choices and personal style, becoming enraged when she wore bikinis during filming for the reality show "Girls of Oslo" in Ibiza. "It was all about control. I was very afraid of not following what he said. I changed my style completely," she explained, highlighting the psychological impact of the relationship.
After their breakup, Haukland revealed she tried to assist Høiby, including an instance where Crown Princess Mette-Marit contacted her because she had been unable to reach her son for several days. Together, they found Høiby and returned to Skaugum, the official royal residence. There, Haukland pleaded with Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon to send Høiby to rehabilitation, but her appeals were reportedly ignored.
Høiby's Response and Legal Proceedings
Taking the stand later, Høiby admitted he was "no angel" in the relationship but has pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges, including the alleged rapes. If convicted, he could face up to 16 years in prison. The trial continues with Høiby scheduled to provide further testimony, adding to the ongoing scrutiny of the Norwegian royal family, especially following recent revelations about Mette-Marit's connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This case underscores broader issues of domestic violence and abuse within high-profile relationships, with the court proceedings shedding light on the alleged crimes and the personal struggles involved. The outcome of the trial is awaited with significant interest, as it may have implications for both the royal family's reputation and legal standards in Norway.
