Royal Tension: Norway's Princess and Shaman Retract 'Racism' Claims Amid Backlash
Norway's Royal Family Scandal: Princess Martha Louise and Her Shaman Husband Face Backlash Over Controversial Netflix Doc
In a shocking turn of events, Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her husband, Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed American shaman, have issued a hasty retraction after facing intense criticism following the release of their highly-anticipated Netflix documentary, Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story. The couple's reputation has been left in tatters as they navigate a swirl of controversy surrounding their unconventional marriage and perceived breach of their agreement with the royal family.
The documentary, which premiered earlier this month, follows the couple as they prepare for their lavish wedding in the picturesque Norwegian village of Geiranger last summer. However, what was meant to be a heartwarming love story has turned into a public relations nightmare for the Princess and her husband. The couple's decision to include footage of themselves criticizing the royal family and its members has sparked outrage among Norwegians and international audiences alike.
One of the most contentious aspects of the documentary is Durek's scathing remarks about the Norwegian way of life, which he described as "flat" and "controlled." In a jaw-dropping interview, he revealed that he was often bored at royal events, stating that conversation among attendees was stilted and lacking in nuance. The Shaman also took aim at Princess Martha Louise's parents, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, accusing them of being unsupportive and dismissive of his unconventional lifestyle.
"I mean, pretty much everything I did was wrong," Durek claimed, adding that the royal couple "would always let Märtha know that I was wrong." The remarks have sparked accusations that Durek is using his platform to bash the Norwegian monarchy and its values. However, in a dramatic U-turn last night, Durek issued an Instagram statement, insisting that his words had been "twisted by the media" and that he never intended to imply allegations of racism against the royal family.
The controversy surrounding Rebel Royals has also raised questions about the couple's breach of their agreement with the royal family. According to insiders, Princess Martha Louise had agreed not to use her title or refer to members of the Royal House in any commercial activities or media productions. However, footage of Crown Prince Haakon talking to Durek during the wedding ceremony was included in the documentary, sparking accusations that they had deliberately flouted their agreement.
In a tense statement issued by Guri Varpe, Communications Manager for the Norwegian royal family, the Palace made it clear that they would be addressing this issue "in the future." The Royal House wants to establish a clearer distinction between the activities of Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett and those of the monarchy itself.
The scandal has also raised eyebrows about the couple's use of their titles for commercial gain. Prior to their wedding, Princess Martha Louise had used her royal title to promote her clothing brand and sell gins, despite agreeing not to do so. The move has sparked accusations that she is exploiting her position as a member of the Norwegian royal family.
Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story has been described as a "trainwreck" by critics, with many accusing the couple of using their platform to promote Durek's pseudoscientific views and self-serving agenda. The documentary's release has sparked a heated debate about the boundaries between royalty and celebrity culture.
In a bizarre twist, Durek Verrett, who claims to have been a shaman in past lives, including ancient Egypt, revealed that he had met Princess Martha Louise through mutual friends in 2019. However, what was meant to be a romantic encounter has turned into a public relations disaster for the couple.
The controversy surrounding Rebel Royals is just the latest scandal to rock the Norwegian royal family. In recent years, Princess Martha Louise has faced intense scrutiny over her decision to step down as a working member of the royal family and pursue a career in spirituality. Her marriage to Durek Verrett, who has been accused of using his platform to promote pseudoscientific views and self-serving interests, has sparked widespread criticism among Norwegians.
In an interview with the BBC last year, Princess Martha Louise praised her parents for keeping the dialogue open while she made her decision to step down from royal duties. However, in a shocking revelation, she revealed that she had been subjected to intense scrutiny over her new career path, particularly when it comes to her unconventional spiritual beliefs.
"I am probably the one in Norway who has received the most criticism of all," Princess Martha Louise claimed, adding that press scrutiny has "continued" since her decision to step down as a working royal. The comments echo an interview she gave on Swedish TV earlier this year, where she revealed that she had faced intense backlash over her spiritual beliefs.
The scandal surrounding Rebel Royals has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Norwegian royal family. As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett's love story has turned into a public relations nightmare.
Sources:
- TheScholarlyNote.com
- Princess Martha Louise's interview with BBC Newsnight (2022)
- Durek Verrett's Instagram statement (2023)