Overview
- On the second day of proceedings, Høiby told the court he lived a life of heavy sex, drugs and alcohol driven by a need for recognition, as the first alleged victim continued testimony about a 2018 incident she believes involved being drugged.
- He pleaded not guilty to the rape counts on day one but admitted or partly admitted several lesser offenses, including transporting 3.5 kilograms of marijuana in 2020, threats and traffic violations.
- Police arrested him the night before the trial for suspected assault, knife threats and breaching a restraining order, and a judge ordered four weeks of preventive detention citing risk of reoffending.
- Prosecutors say seven people are alleged victims in a case that spans 38 counts, with parts of the trial restricted to protect identities and evidence; the schedule runs through March 19 with a verdict expected weeks later.
- The case intensifies scrutiny of Norway’s royal family after newly released Epstein documents named Princess Mette-Marit, who issued a public apology acknowledging poor judgment.