Rough year for Norway's royals, rocked by 'biggest scandal'
The Straits Times|December 08, 2024
OSLO - A string of rape and assault allegations against the son of Norway's future queen have plunged the royal family into its "biggest scandal" ever, wrapping up an "annus horribilis" for the monarchy.
Rough year for Norway's royals, rocked by 'biggest scandal'

The legal troubles surrounding Mr Marius Borg Hoiby, the 27-year-old son born of a relationship before Crown Princess Mette-Marit's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, have dominated the Scandinavian country's headlines since August.

The tall, strapping blond with a "bad boy" look - often photographed in tuxedos, slicked-back hair, earrings and tattoos - was arrested in Oslo on Aug 4, suspected of assaulting his girlfriend the previous night.

A photograph of a knife stuck in the wall of her apartment soon emerged in the media, alongside news reports that Mr Hoiby handed over a partially destroyed cell-phone with no SIM card to police.

Mr Hoiby admitted the assault and damage a few days later, saying in a written statement to the media they were the result of a cocaine- and alcohol-fuelled argument.

He said he had struggled "for a long time with substance abuse" and "mental health troubles".

Mr Hoiby, who has friends in criminal circles according to media, was raised with his two step-siblings but has no official role in the royal family.

His legal troubles have only continued to mount since August.

Two former girlfriends have come forward to say they were also assaulted by Mr Hoiby.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 08, 2024 من The Straits Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 08, 2024 من The Straits Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE STRAITS TIMES مشاهدة الكل
Jay-Z will seek dismissal of sexual assault lawsuit his lawyer calls a 'sham'
The Straits Times

Jay-Z will seek dismissal of sexual assault lawsuit his lawyer calls a 'sham'

Lawyers for Jay-Z (right) plan to ask a judge to toss a lawsuit accusing the American rapper of raping a 13-year-old in 2000, pointing to what they described as \"glaring inconsistencies\" that emerged in an NBC interview of the accuser, who was not named in the suit.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Comedian Jimmy O. Yang finds people who look more like him than himself in lookalike contest
The Straits Times

Comedian Jimmy O. Yang finds people who look more like him than himself in lookalike contest

It looks like there are Asians out there who look more like Jimmy O. Yang than the man himself, said the Hong Kong-born American actor and stand-up comedian.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Brazil judge orders Adele song to be pulled globally
The Straits Times

Brazil judge orders Adele song to be pulled globally

A Brazilian judge has ordered a song by British pop superstar Adele (left), Million Years Ago (2015), to be pulled worldwide - including on streaming services - over an ongoing plagiarism claim by a Brazilian composer.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Local musician-TikToker first from Asia to be nominated
The Straits Times

Local musician-TikToker first from Asia to be nominated

Drumeo Awards: TikTok Drummer of the Year category

time-read
2 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Malcolm In The Middle is getting a four-episode revival on Disney+
The Straits Times

Malcolm In The Middle is getting a four-episode revival on Disney+

NEW YORK - One of America's wackiest families is making a comeback.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Pedro Almodovar is not lost in translation
The Straits Times

Pedro Almodovar is not lost in translation

Working in English and directing Hollywood stars can be difficult for European directors. But the Spanish director's The Room Next Door is an exception

time-read
4 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Lessons from a dog attack
The Straits Times

Lessons from a dog attack

Viewpoint Canines may bite and scratch when excited or caught by surprise

time-read
4 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Could dark chocolate reduce risk of diabetes?
The Straits Times

Could dark chocolate reduce risk of diabetes?

If you have long assumed that you must deprive yourself of delicious foods to be healthy, a new study in medical journal The BMJ offers encouraging news: Eating dark chocolate has been associated with a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2024
BAD BACK
The Straits Times

BAD BACK

More teens and young adults hit with degenerative disc disease

time-read
6 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Diplomacy ● Remark about chai in poor taste
The Straits Times

Diplomacy ● Remark about chai in poor taste

I refer to the article \"No shortage of chai for Singapore's envoy in India after 'tasteless' brew post goes viral\" (Dec 16).

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024