In a ten-minute statement, Marius Borg Høiby discussed, above all, the personal consequences of the proceedings and the massive media attention, while there were no words of regret towards the alleged victims.

Marius Borg Høiby in the trial: “I am a monster”

At 3:52 p.m., the defendant appeared in front of around 30 international media representatives in the courtroom. In an emotional speech, he accused the public and investigators of destroying his existence. He tearfully explained: “They’ve done a pretty good job of wiping out my whole private life. I have nothing left, I’m alone,” reports “Picture“.

Marius Borg Høiby, who sent flowers to his ex while in custodyemphasized that he could no longer identify with the public perception of himself. He literally says to the judge: “I don’t recognize myself in what has been written about me. I’m no longer Marius, I’m a monster. I’m the object of hatred in all of Norway.”

Criticism of prison conditions and drug tests in Oslo

Instead of addressing the serious allegations of physical and sexual violence, the 29-year-old focused on his own psychological stress.

For example, he found the regular drug tests humiliating. “I found the fact that I was sent to a urine test twice a week and my name was called out in front of a crowded doctor’s office to be incredibly insulting and invasive.”

After about ten minutes he finishes his explanation. At 4:02 p.m. he sits down next to his defenders again. Shortly afterwards, police officers lead him from the courtroom back to prison.

Trial against Marius Borg Høiby at a glance

The son of Mette-Marit, who once took part in a dating showhas been on trial since February 3, 2026. The indictment includes around 40 allegations, including rape, assault and other violent and drug-related offenses.

Høiby denies the central allegations. According to his defense, he only admitted individual drug-related offenses, but particularly rejected the allegations of sexual violence.

The main hearing is scheduled to last around seven weeks and around 24 days. The planned end of the taking of evidence is March 19, 2026. However, a verdict is not expected immediately. Due to the large number of charges, it may take several weeks before the court announces its decision and a possible sentence.

Until then, Høiby will remain in custody. The court had previously rejected an application for release, citing, among other things, the seriousness of the allegations and a possible risk of repetition.