Princess Märtha Louise Filed $114 Million Lawsuit
The princess and Durek Verrett filed the lawsuit in California against former associates on September 14.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Celebrities
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Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett filed an 88-page lawsuit in California on September 14 seeking $114 million in damages. The legal action alleges that four former associates and 10 unidentified individuals engaged in a years-long defamation campaign.
Why it matters
The plaintiffs claim that the defendants weaponized confidential information and breached non-disclosure agreements to sabotage their reputations. The lawsuit follows significant life changes for the couple, including Verrett's recent kidney transplant and the death of King Harald V.
The lawsuit, filed by The Roth Law Firm, PLLC and JC Law, PC, demands $114 million in damages. It details allegations against four named former associates and 10 unidentified individuals.
The players
Princess Märtha Louise
She is a 55-year-old Norwegian public figure who lost her formal royal role in 2022.
Durek Verrett
He is a 51-year-old who recently underwent a kidney transplant in August.
King Harald V
He was the monarch of Norway who died in August 2026.
King Haakon VIII
He ascended the Norwegian throne on August 28, 2026.
The details
The legal complaint alleges that the defendants used social media and online platforms to disseminate false claims and expose private communications. Princess Märtha Louise, who does not hold a formal royal role, and Durek Verrett are pursuing the action alongside Ohana Productions LLC.
Timeline
Princess Märtha Louise lost her formal royal role in November 2022.
King Harald V died in August 2026, with his funeral held on September 9, 2026.
King Haakon VIII ascended the throne on August 28, 2026.
The lawsuit was filed in California on September 14, 2026.
A preliminary hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for December 17, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This litigation marks a transition for the couple as they operate independently of royal protocols following the 2022 loss of official royal duties by Princess Märtha Louise. The move reflects broader trends of high-profile figures increasingly using the American court system to manage reputational risks.
The legal filing highlights how public figures navigate the risks of sharing confidential details on social media and digital platforms. Readers can observe the proceedings through the California court system as the case moves toward its preliminary hearing.
The takeaway
The case highlights the growing reliance on litigation to combat reputational damage in the digital age. High-profile individuals frequently utilize these legal channels to address breaches of privacy and non-disclosure agreements.
What happens next
A preliminary hearing in the lawsuit is scheduled for December 17, 2026.
Further reading
Find more updates on public figures in the Celebrities section.
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