Marius Borg Høiby faces several charges related to gender violence.

On Friday, an Oslo-based court rejected a request to stop the sale of a book about Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norwegian Princess Mette-Marit, who is accused of four rapes and several instances of abuse in his relationships.

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Høiby, 28, the son of Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, had sought a preliminary injunction to seize the book, arguing it contained several falsehoods and damaged his honor. He had also sought compensation.

“It has not been demonstrated that his honor, reputation or private life has been unjustifiably harmed to a degree that would justify an order to halt the distribution of the book,” the ruling states.

“White Stripes, Black Sheep” was published several weeks ago by Aschehoug and described as “a report on cocaine, gangs and the princess’s son,” whose photo appears on the cover.

One of the most controversial claims is that Høiby was allegedly seen selling cocaine on the streets of Oslo, citing anonymous police sources, though both the police and the young man’s lawyers have denied it.

The publisher said it informed Høiby about the project nearly a year ago and offered him the chance to participate and read the portions that mention him. He declined. “It is a detailed ruling that highlights the defense of freedom of expression,” said the publisher’s lawyer, Jørgen Vangsnes.

Speaking to the Norwegian news agency NTB, Høiby’s lawyer, Elias Christensen, expressed disagreement with the decision, saying they will now study it in depth before deciding whether to appeal.

The ruling, which orders Høiby to pay 50,000 euros in court costs, comes just days after the publication of another book about the young man, “Out of Control.”

At the end of July, Høiby was charged with 32 offenses, which also include violent acts against another ex-girlfriend, property damage, public disorder and filming the sexual organs of several women without their knowledge or consent.

The defendant only acknowledges violent acts against one woman and threats against a man, but denies the rape charges.

Høiby has been detained three times so far, starting in August 2024, when he was held for several hours following an incident in an ex-girlfriend’s apartment.

A few days after his first arrest, Høiby admitted some of the accusations and acknowledged having problems with alcohol and other drugs, as well as mental health issues.

The young man does not have official duties with the Norwegian royal household, though he attends some events such as his half-siblings’ birthdays and has always maintained a relationship with Haakon as well as with King Harald V and Queen Sonja.

The trial against Marius Borg Høiby, who faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, is scheduled to begin Feb. 3, 2026.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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