Marius Borg Høiby Arrested on Rape Charges
Marius Borg Høiby, the 27-year-old son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on November 18, 2024, on suspicion of rape. The Oslo police confirmed that he was taken into custody for allegedly violating a section of Norway's penal code that addresses sexual intercourse with individuals who are unconscious or otherwise unable to resist. His defense attorney, Øyvind Bratlien, stated that Høiby pleads not guilty to the charges and is cooperating with the police investigation.
Background of Allegations
This incident marks the latest in a series of troubling allegations against Høiby, who has been under scrutiny for his behavior towards women in recent years. In August 2024, he was arrested for bodily injury and damage to property involving another woman. Following that incident, he publicly acknowledged causing harm and expressed intentions to seek treatment for substance abuse issues. Currently, there are multiple allegations against him, including accusations from four women and one man, with claims ranging from physical and psychological abuse to threats made via social media.
Royal Family's Response
The Norwegian royal family has not publicly commented on the latest allegations. Crown Prince Haakon, who was in Jamaica at the time of the arrest, expressed confidence in the authorities and the judicial process. He acknowledged the seriousness of the charges against his stepson but emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference. Meanwhile, Mette-Marit has faced her own challenges in the public eye, having previously addressed her past and the scrutiny surrounding her family.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of these allegations on the royal family and their public image remain to be seen.
