Norwegian Princess Märtha Louise and her husband Durek Verrett are suing former friends for defamation, alleging a calculated betrayal of trust. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on 14 September, accuses several former members of their inner circle of weaponizing private access to damage their reputations. The couple seeks over $80 million in compensation, according to Norwegian newspaper VG.
Inside the Defamation Lawsuit: Allegations and Accused
The court documents claim that the accused—including former intimate partners, trusted business associates, and a family member—used confidential communications, disputed accusations, and claimed insider knowledge against Märtha Louise, Verrett, and Verrett's company, Ohana. The couple describes these actions as a "coordinated series of devastating public attacks."
The lawsuit highlights the severity of the alleged betrayal, stating that the former friends took "private access once afforded to them and weaponised it." This legal action marks a significant escalation in the couple's ongoing battle against negative publicity.
The Royal Family's Challenging Period
The lawsuit comes during a particularly turbulent time for the Norwegian royal family. King Harald passed away in August at age 89, succeeded by his son Haakon, Märtha Louise's brother. Just two days after the funeral, Harald's sister, Princess Astrid, died at 94. These losses have compounded the family's grief.
Additionally, the family has faced multiple scandals, including revelations about Queen Mette-Marit's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and the conviction of her son Marius Borg Høiby on two counts of rape in June. The queen is also battling pulmonary fibrosis, adding to the family's health concerns.

Key Takeaways from the Lawsuit
- Defamation claim: Märtha Louise and Verrett allege a calculated betrayal by former friends and associates.
- Financial stakes: The couple seeks over $80 million in compensation.
- Timing: The lawsuit coincides with a period of mourning and scandal for the Norwegian royals.
- Legal venue: Filed in Los Angeles, indicating the international scope of the dispute.
Comparing the Allegations and Royal Context
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Plaintiffs | Princess Märtha Louise, Durek Verrett, and Ohana |
| Defendants | Former intimate partners, business associates, and a family member |
| Claims | Defamation, betrayal of trust, misuse of confidential information |
| Compensation Sought | Exceeding $80 million |
| Royal Family Challenges | Death of King Harald, Princess Astrid; scandals involving Queen Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Høiby |
FAQ
Who is being sued by Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett?
The lawsuit names several former members of their inner circle, including former intimate partners, trusted business associates, and a family member. The exact identities have not been publicly disclosed.
Why are they suing for defamation?
The couple claims that the defendants used confidential communications and insider knowledge to launch coordinated public attacks, constituting a betrayal of trust and defamation.
How much compensation are they seeking?
According to court documents, the compensation claims total in excess of $80 million.
The lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to the Norwegian royal family's already tumultuous year. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be watching closely to see how this high-profile defamation case impacts the couple and the monarchy.