Arrest of Crown Princess's Son Sparks Controversy in Norway

Marius Borg Hoiby, the 27-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was detained on a preliminary rape charge amid a growing scandal surrounding his behavior. His attorney maintains his innocence while Hoiby's past incidents rise to scrutiny, including previous arrests for bodily harm under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on Monday in Oslo on suspicion of rape, causing a stir within the royal family. The police confirmed the preliminary charges, which allege that Hoiby violated a section of Norway’s penal code concerning sexual acts with an unconscious person or someone incapable of resisting.

Hoiby's lawyer, Oyvind Bratlien, stated that his client is innocent of the allegations and is cooperating with the police investigation. Hoiby, 27, does not hold any official royal titles or responsibilities, as his mother married Crown Prince Haakon in 2001 when he was just four years old.

Recently, his conduct towards women has been under increased scrutiny, with prior accusations of abuse involving three former partners surfacing. Before this arrest, he was detained in August on charges of bodily harm linked to a separate incident with another woman. Following that incident, Hoiby issued a public apology, admitting to causing harm and property damage while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, expressing intent to address his substance abuse issues.