Norwegian princess Märtha Louise and husband sue ex-friends for ‘betrayal of trust’
Norwegian princess Märtha Louise and her husband, Durek Verrett, have filed a defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles against former friends and colleagues, claiming a 'calculated betrayal of trust' and 'devastating public attacks.' They allege that private access and confidential information were weaponized against them, seeking over $80 million in compensation.
Why it matters
This legal battle highlights the challenges faced by public figures, especially royals, regarding privacy, trust, and defamation, and comes amidst a turbulent period for the Norwegian royal family following recent deaths and scandals.
Märtha Louise and Verrett have been the subject of multiple headlines in recent years. Photograph: Daryl Henderson/Press Association Images Märtha Louise and Verrett have been the subject of multiple headlines in recent years. Photograph: Daryl Henderson/Press Association Images Norway Norwegian princess Märtha Louise and husband sue ex-friends for ‘betrayal of trust’ Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett launch defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles, claiming ‘coordinated series of devastating public attacks’
Prefer the Guardian on Google The Norwegian princess Märtha Louise and her husband, the American businessman Durek Verrett, are suing several former members of their inner circle for defamation over what they described as a “calculated betrayal of trust”.
Court documents filed in Los Angeles on 14 September claim the former friends and colleagues took “private access once afforded to them and weaponised it”. The accused include “former intimate partners, trusted business associates, a family member”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in