Marius Borg Høiby News & Current Events Part 2: February 2026 -

[Muhler]

What I don't get about the "had such a bad life because of the media" argument is that it seems to be admitting Marius' crimes but placing the blame on others.

7 weeks of this is going to be awful - the victims so far have given powerful testimony from what I've read.

If the best defense they have is: "it's someone else's fault" then things look bleak for Marius!

 

[Muhler]

Some details: 'Papprinsen' i retten i Oslo: Forældre og søstre var hjemme under omstridt fest

Følg rettssaken mot Marius Borg Høiby her

Nettavisen følger rettssaken mot Marius Borg Høiby. Dag to fortsetter første fornærmede å forklare seg, før det er Høibys tur.

www.nettavisen.no

I can hardly keep up with the Norwegian threads these days, so I hope this hasn't been mentioned.
Marius went to the afterparty at the basement at Skaugum. He knew his parents and his sister were at home, by the basement is pretty soundproof, as he puts it.
He denied that he had had sex with the Skaugum woman, "I do not sleep with women who are not awake."
He cannot recall whether he took cocaine at that occasion, but he doesn't deny it either.
The Skaugum woman claims she only knew Marius periphical outside this party at Skaugum and that they have not had intercourse before or after.
Marius claims that they have met personally and that they have had sex at least twice before and after this party.
The Skaugum woman claims she was blacked out when the photos of her nether regions were made. Marius admitted that it could look like she was sleeping, but she wasn't and he admits to taking the pictures.
Marius cried while sitting in the witness box, finding it dreadful that the press is present.

- Looking at the testimony from the Skaugum woman, I think there is a good chance Marius cannot be sentenced due to insufficient evidence.
Looking at it with ice-cold eyes, she changed her explanation from what she told the police and how she told her story here at the trial.
She admits to consensual sex in a toilet, at least for a period and then a couch and the state of her being intoxicated or not may also be questioned... And then she doesn't really remember anything. She has experienced something like that before but at the same time it was the first time she experienced a black-out like this...
She express some sympathy for Marius, hoping he will get help. In my eyes she leaves the impression of being a little naive.
Based on Marius other antics and general behavior I am personally in little doubt that it was a drug-rape, but if I look at this case alone I would be in doubt as if it is enough to convict him beyond reasonable doubt.

 

[Moonmaiden23]

If the best defense they have is: "it's someone else's fault" then things look bleak for Marius!

Exactly. Marius was shielded from public scrutiny more than the Royal children I-A and Sverre Magnus were...and yet he received every perk and privilege that they did.

Now that he is dwelling in the pit he dug for himself, he complains about persecution?

Poor little brat.

 

[kath2833]

I honestly feel for these women that they have to go through this and it is being reported on internationally. Hope their identities are never revealed. For that victim to say that he is "very very sick" and hopes he gets serious help was eye opening that she saw his behavior as part of a big issue with him mentally and I would think his parents either saw or heard about his behavior way before any of these assaults happened. Seems to me they ignored the signs from childhood through adulthood.

This is such a mature statement for her to make & I respect her for it. I’m glad that she also sees a bigger picture problem with him & hopes that even with what he’s done to her, that he gets the help he seriously needs. My heart goes out to these brave women & one man (iirc) testifying against him. It makes me uncomfortable just thinking about the detail & debate over what happened to them.

 

[Moran]

Exactly. Marius was shielded from public scrutiny more than the Royal children I-A and Sverre Magnus were...and yet he received every perk and privilege that they did.

Now that he is dwelling in the pit he dug for himself, he complains about persecution?

Poor little brat.

I read MM's letter as "I've always had bigger expectation of him than I had of my other children" and I've always thought it as uncomfortable phrasing, trying to underline Marius' difficult position. But my, if she did mean she had bigger expectations, I sure hope someone else also dealt with her other children's formative years! She striked me as someone who wouldn't let others have any input in Marius' upbringing but Ingrid and Sverre Magnus weren't "just" hers.

 

[Maryrose]

I was just curious if he had any family members on either his mother's or father's side attending the court proceedings for support.

 

[Snowangel]

I was just curious if he had any family members on either his mother's or father's side attending the court proceedings for support.

He doesn't have any family members there.

 

[Royalist.in.NC]

This is such a mature statement for her to make & I respect her for it. I’m glad that she also sees a bigger picture problem with him & hopes that even with what he’s done to her, that he gets the help he seriously needs. My heart goes out to these brave women & one man (iirc) testifying against him. It makes me uncomfortable just thinking about the detail & debate over what happened to them.

Me too - well said! I really don’t understand how all these press people are there and they expect no one to take a picture of any one or more of the victims and/or release their names somehow. I guess I’m really naive but shouldn’t these victims have some privacy in not telling their stories to the press? Doesn’t that violate their right to privacy? This is just blowing my mind seeing all the press that seem to be in the courtroom.

 

[Mbruno]

[...].
Based on Marius other antics and general behavior I am personally in little doubt that it was a drug-rape, but if I look at this case alone I would be in doubt as if it is enough to convict him beyond reasonable doubt.

Do the criminal courts in Norway follow the "beyond reasonable doubt" standard, or is it just "balance of probabilities" (or "preponderance of the evidence" as Americans say)? I admit my ignorance on the matter, but I am asking because I understand that "beyond reasonable doubt", despite being the standard in common law countries, does not necessarily apply in all legal systems.

 

[Muhler]

Do the criminal courts in Norway follow the "beyond reasonable doubt" standard, or is it just "balance of probabilities" (or "preponderance of the evidence" as Americans say)? I admit my ignorance on the matter, but I am asking because I understand that "beyond reasonable doubt" does not apply in all countries.

The expression in Scandinavia is "bevisets stilling" = based on the evidence presented. Which is pretty close to beyond reasonable doubt. Just with more emphasis on the evidence. Hence an often used ruling saying " acquitted due to insufficience evidence". Which basically means: yeah he did it and we know it, we just can't prove it with a high enough degree of certainty.."

 

[An Ard Ri]

I was just curious if he had any family members on either his mother's or father's side attending the court proceedings for support.

Yes I was wondering that too ,perhaps his grandmother?

 

[Muhler]

The expression in Scandinavia is "bevisets stilling" = based on the evidence presented. Which is pretty close to beyond reasonable doubt. Just with more emphasis on the evidence. Hence an often used ruling saying " acquitted due to insufficience evidence". Which basically means: yeah he did it and we know it, we just can't prove it with a high enough degree of certainty.."

ADDED. A court in Scandinavia put lesser emphasis on witness statements and more on physical evidence. Also if the person witnessing is a very respected upstanding person or as in this case the victim herself. And all the evidence technical as well as statements must be weighed in. It's difficult to be convicted only based on witness statements.

 

[Princess_Eleanor]

ADDED. A court in Scandinavia put lesser emphasis on witness statements and more on physical evidence. Also if the person witnessing is a very respected upstanding person or as in this case the victim herself. And all the evidence technical as well as statements must be weighed in. It's difficult to be convicted only based on witness statements.

So a lot might depend on the videos and pictures, right? That would be clear evidence beyond witness statements, if the videos for instance make it very clear that the women are not conscious.

 

[LadyFinn]

One of the victims' defence lawyers, Heidi Reisvang, said yesterday to the press about Marius: "We notice that there is a lot he does not remember".

The trial began today with Marius continuing his testimony.
Thursday's court date was scheduled to begin with a police chief from Kripos (The National Criminal Investigation Service) reviewing computer seizures, media files and technical investigations. He will take the witness stand only after Marius has finished his statement.
Then, a police officer from Oslo Police will present what they believe to be the location and movements of the defendant, the injured party and witnesses to be reviewed.
After lunch, two witnesses from the after-game and two former guards will take the witness stand.
The Kripos officer's review of the media files will take place behind closed doors.

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Høiby's defense attorney Petar Sekulic asks questions to the police officers.
– Was any illegal material found there? asks Sekulic.
– No, answers police officer Berg Larsen.
He points out that he then interprets the word "illegal" as meaning that it does not contain inappropriate images of minors.
Høiby asks to speak, and criticizes parts of the evidence the police officers had presented.
He believes that some parts of the search history are unrelated to what he is accused of.
– I think it's completely ridiculous to include it, I don't understand why you should include it. Why the hell should you include it? says a tearful Høiby.
Høiby leans forward in his chair and wipes his tears with his right hand while leaning against defender Ellen Holager Andenæs.

Følg rettssaken mot Marius Borg Høiby her

Nettavisen følger rettssaken mot Marius Borg Høiby.

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[Muhler]

So a lot might depend on the videos and pictures, right? That would be clear evidence beyond witness statements, if the videos for instance make it very clear that the women are not conscious.

Physical evidence as a general rule weigh heavier, yes.
Because people can't remember thing or suffer from s particular poor memory... or they are biased og infliuenced by someone.
If you notice the defense didn't tear the Skaugum woman to pieces. Even though they could. That's not acceptable. No attacking her character or anything like that. The court wouldn't allow it. But I'm sure they will contest what she has said later.

 

[yukari]

It seems like he cried a lot, didn't he? Is he trying to gather sympathy or he simply just a pampered mummy-boy? No wonder MM won't be around during the trial, each time I read about Marius crying/in tears/tearfully I had an image of his mother storming into the court room, pushing his face into her blossom while yelling to everyone "How dare you! What did you do to my baby boy!"

 

[Rosewood]

It seems like he cried a lot, didn't he? Is he trying to gather sympathy or he simply just a pampered mummy-boy? No wonder MM won't be around during the trial, each time I read about Marius crying/in tears/tearfully I had an image of his mother storming into the court room, pushing his face into her blossom while yelling to everyone "How dare you! What did you do to my baby boy!"

I think he is detoxing during his trial. Although I am not holding up the US system as a model in this instance (because goodness knows we have tons of issues of our own) it would be rare for a defendant to be actively detoxing during a trial because they would probably would have been in a jail awaiting trial due to the severity of the events leading up to trial. Whether he is physically dependent or just psychologically dependent on substances, I think that it may have been many years since Marius has gotten through a day without chemical "help." I hope his detox is being monitored by medical personnel who know what they are doing.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Perhaps if he had shown more empathy and emotion towards his alleged victims I'd have an ounce of sympathy towards him.

 

[Queen Claude]

Me too - well said! I really don’t understand how all these press people are there and they expect no one to take a picture of any one or more of the victims and/or release their names somehow. I guess I’m really naive but shouldn’t these victims have some privacy in not telling their stories to the press? Doesn’t that violate their right to privacy? This is just blowing my mind seeing all the press that seem to be in the courtroom.

I think that I am recalling this correctly, but I think that a while back there was a motion to have the trial be closed and the decision was made that it will be an open proceeding.

In general, I think that Norway has strict rules in terms of picture taking and disseminating information that result in offended parties being identified and penalties if rules are violated. Nevertheless, the concerns you are raising have been raised, I think that Norwegian press is not considered as much of a concern, rather it is the foreign media who may make an accidental or on purpose "oopsie," or someone in the general seating, taking a photo or disseminating info. IMO the latter is the greatest vulnerability.

I really think the media attention is a burden to the victims, some have come out and stated as much. Although I think this is much more controlled and they are more protected during this phase than they were in the investigation phase when there were leaks.

 

[Muhler]

LIVE: Følg retssagen mod Marius Borg Høiby

www.bt.dk

The live coverage by BT, it's detailed and absolutely worth a google/ChatGpT translation.
Two guardsmen on duty have testified and both claim that the Skaugum women did not appear particular intoxicated nor incoherent, she spoke briefly and to one of the guardsmen. And the Skaugum woman and Marius hugged while she was waiting for a taxi outside.
- It confirms my hunch that Marius is likely to get off in regards to the Skaugum woman unless the technical evidence are very convincing.

 

[EvaH]

He doesn't have any family members there.

That's actually quite sad that not even his paternal family is there. But then, they might have wanted him to clean up and his maternal family cover up for him so they washed their hands years ago. Who know...

 

[Maryrose]

That's actually quite sad that not even his paternal family is there. But then, they might have wanted him to clean up and his maternal family cover up for him so they washed their hands years ago. Who know...

My only thought on this is maybe the family members were advised not to go to court because as a grandparent (speaking for myself) I would be there.

 

[hereditarytitles]

I think he is detoxing during his trial. Although I am not holding up the US system as a model in this instance (because goodness knows we have tons of issues of our own) it would be rare for a defendant to be actively detoxing during a trial because they would probably would have been in a jail awaiting trial due to the severity of the events leading up to trial. Whether he is physically dependent or just psychologically dependent on substances, I think that it may have been many years since Marius has gotten through a day without chemical "help." I hope his detox is being monitored by medical personnel who know what they are doing.

That sounds plausible. I remember Haakon going to a clinic in London with Marius last year, presumably a drug rehabilitation facility. Apparently, Marius dropped out of the program very quickly. I think all previous attempts to get Marius into a rehabilitation clinic for an extended period have failed. It often happens that patients simply run away from the clinic, cause trouble, or find ways to get drugs anyway because they can't stand the withdrawal.
As I've read, Norway has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world, at around 20%, which is largely due to its rehabilitation-oriented prison system. By focusing on resocialization, education, and humane prison conditions, offenders, including those with drug problems, are effectively prepared for a crime-free life. In comparison, around 40% of offenders in Germany reoffend, including those with a combination of serious drug problems and criminal activity.
Marius is still lucky to be living in Norway.

 

[Queen Claude]

I am curious regarding how cases are presented in Norway. In the U.S., if there are multiple charges, the prosecution presents its witnesses for all the charges first, they examine their witnesses and then the defense cross-examines. Then the defense presents its witnesses and the prosecution cross-examines.

It seems like in Norway they present around the charge, where both sides present witness associated with a single charge. Is this correct? If not, how are Norwegian trials structured?

 

[hereditarytitles]

I tried to abstain from reading the live impressions on "Bild" , but I couldn't resist. My impression is it doesn't look good for the "Skaugum Woman". Here is a summary of what was reported today

After the lunch break, further witnesses were questioned. In addition to those present at the so-called "after-party" (roughly equivalent to a nightcap), two former female guards also gave their statements. Those other witnesses present at the cellar party at Skaugum Manor described the atmosphere as "normal." They had been drinking, but according to their recollections, no one was "completely out of it."

The two former guards confirmed the statements of those present at the "after-party," according to whom the party had not gotten completely out of hand. Both guards recalled lively conversations with the "Skaugum woman" before a taxi picked them up.

At the farewell, the second guard remembered that the "Skaugum woman" and Marius Borg Høiby seemed to be on familiar terms: "I got the impression that they liked each other, were giggling, and had had a nice evening. It looked like a friendly relationship, some intimate flirting."

The alleged victim (the "Skaugum Woman") testified on Tuesday and Wednesday that the last part of the party was like a "black hole." She suspected she had been drugged. One of the guards saw the "Skaugum Woman" leaving the castle in the early morning. "She seemed alert and talkative." Marius came out shirtless.
It was about a taxi. The "Skaugum Woman" stated in her testimony that she believes a guard helped her order a taxi.
The guard described how the guests arriving at the castle were no longer entirely sober. The alleged victim (the "Skaugum Woman") asked if she could hold her weapon. According to the "VG," she said: "It was a bit of a hassle getting people in; often you had a list to work from. I don't remember those rules anymore. But at some point, someone had to come out and pick them up."

 

[Mbruno]

I tried to abstain from reading the live impressions on "Bild" , but I couldn't resist. My impression is it doesn't look good for the "Skaugum Woman". Here is a summary of what was reported today

After the lunch break, further witnesses were questioned. In addition to those present at the so-called "after-party" (roughly equivalent to a nightcap), two former female guards also gave their statements. Those other witnesses present at the cellar party at Skaugum Manor described the atmosphere as "normal." They had been drinking, but according to their recollections, no one was "completely out of it."

The two former guards confirmed the statements of those present at the "after-party," according to whom the party had not gotten completely out of hand. Both guards recalled lively conversations with the "Skaugum woman" before a taxi picked them up.

At the farewell, the second guard remembered that the "Skaugum woman" and Marius Borg Høiby seemed to be on familiar terms: "I got the impression that they liked each other, were giggling, and had had a nice evening. It looked like a friendly relationship, some intimate flirting."

The alleged victim (the "Skaugum Woman") testified on Tuesday and Wednesday that the last part of the party was like a "black hole." She suspected she had been drugged. One of the guards saw the "Skaugum Woman" leaving the castle in the early morning. "She seemed alert and talkative." Marius came out shirtless.
It was about a taxi. The "Skaugum Woman" stated in her testimony that she believes a guard helped her order a taxi.
The guard described how the guests arriving at the castle were no longer entirely sober. The alleged victim (the "Skaugum Woman") asked if she could hold her weapon. According to the "VG," she said: "It was a bit of a hassle getting people in; often you had a list to work from. I don't remember those rules anymore. But at some point, someone had to come out and pick them up."

Regardless of the likelihood of a conviction on her testimony alone or not, it is shocking that these parties were going on in an official Royal residence and very close to the CP family.

Can you imagine the scandal if something similar had happened in other European monarchies?

 

[hereditarytitles]

This also raises the question of why Marius chose to hold such parties in the basement of Skaugum, his parents' official residence. He had his own house on the grounds where he could have partied. Did his parents know about it, or did they tacitly allow it? Or were they already fast asleep and didn't notice anything?

 

[polyesco]

"Høiby in tears: – Why the hell do you care?
Høiby asks to speak, and criticizes parts of the evidence the police officers had presented.
He believes that some parts of the search history are unrelated to what he is accused of.
– I think it's completely ridiculous to include it, I don't understand why you should include it. Why the hell should you include it? says a tearful Høiby."

His lashing out, asking why they care? and commenting that its ridiculous, does he know he is in a court room? This isn't' the press poking around his love life. It is a court of law. It is police officers and lawyers upholding the law and making sure crimes weren't committed.

Overall he sounds like a spoiled brat. How dare anyone interrupt his drugging and partying. He has had such a hard life, he doesn't really see any of the blessings, luxieries and opportunities given to him just because his mom married the crown prince.

And man has he played up the victim, the tears, the Im just a little boy only know for being my mother's son, and now mentioning looking into suicide ...
Those around him have failed him and he has failed himself.

 

[Sancia]

And man has he played up the victim, the tears, the Im just a little boy only know for being my mother's son, and now mentioning looking into suicide ...
Those around him have failed him and he has failed himself.

I have no sympathy at all for men like Marius Borg Høiby. However, it is true that little spoiled brats have serious breakdowns when they are facing the consequences of their deeds. These kind of people are used to the idea that they are immune to everything, that they can do all what they want to. So, when they are brought to face consequences, their world, the only world they know how to cope with, is crashing down and they don't know how to deal with it, as they were never prepared to take accountability. I would not be surprised if he is really contemplating suicide. That may be the only psychological defence he has.

 

[Mbruno]

I have no sympathy at all for men like Marius Borg Høiby. However, it is true that little spoiled brats have serious breakdowns when they are facing the consequences of their deeds. These kind of people are used to the idea that they are immune to everything, that they can do all what they want to. So, when they are brought to face consequences, their world, the only world they know how to cope with, is crashing down and they don't know how to deal with it, as they were never prepared to take accountability. I would not be surprised if he is really contemplating suicide. That may be the only psychological defence he has.

I agree. Marius may be putting a show for the court, but the potential for suicide should never be underestimated in anyone.

Let's not forget that, barring any conspiracy theory (if you believe such things), even Jeffrey Epstein took his own life,