Priscilla Presley’s Lawsuit: Latest Drama in Elvis’ Family After Graceland Scare

Priscilla Presley’s recent lawsuit against her former business associates, accusing them of duping her out of $1 million, is the latest chapter of drama surrounding the Graceland estate in recent years.

Elvis Presley’s ex-wife filed a lawsuit on July 18, alleging “meticulously planned” financial abuse by four former business associates. Earlier this year, Elvis’ historic Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, narrowly escaped being auctioned off when officials called off the sale at the last minute.

In January 2023, Elvis and Priscilla’s only child, Lisa Marie, passed away at 54. Her death was due to complications from a small bowel obstruction, according to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner.

Presley’s recent lawsuit names Brigitte Kruse, Kevin Fialko, Vahe Sislyan, and Lynn Walker Wright. The 79-year-old actress claims she was tricked into signing contracts that handed over 80% of her income, resulting in over $1 million in losses. She is suing for financial elder abuse, fraud in the inducement, breach of fiduciary duty, and legal malpractice.

The court documents describe the situation as a “meticulously planned and abhorrent scheme” targeting an elderly woman. According to these documents, the defendants isolated Presley, gained her trust, and then exploited her financially. They even sued her for breach of contract in Florida after their scheme was exposed.

Priscilla’s attorney, Martin Singer, alleges that these former associates intended to force her into “indentured servitude,” where they would benefit from a significant portion of any future earnings. The group allegedly convinced Presley that her former business advisors were dishonest or incompetent, manipulating her into giving them power of attorney and control over her personal finances.

The actress is seeking a jury trial, no less than $1 million in damages, attorney’s fees, special and punitive damages, and both preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.

In May, Graceland, Elvis’ famous mansion, faced the threat of foreclosure. The sale was halted when Elvis’ granddaughter, Riley Keough, and officials intervened. Keough identified forged documents from a fake company claiming Lisa Marie Presley had taken out a multimillion-dollar loan against Graceland, which she never repaid. This incident is now under federal investigation.

The matter was referred to federal law enforcement by the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office after it became apparent it was the appropriate jurisdiction for such a case. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced that his office was looking into Naussany Investments and Private Lending, the firm behind the fraudulent loan claims. Naussany alleged Lisa Marie had defaulted on a $3.8 million loan.

Graceland, designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, attracts approximately 600,000 tourists annually. It generates $150 million in economic impact for Memphis, Tennessee.

Lisa Marie Presley died suddenly on January 12, 2023. The 54-year-old was taken to a Los Angeles hospital after sheriff’s deputies responded to a “not breathing call.” Her cause of death was listed as “natural” due to complications from a previous bariatric surgery, known to have long-term risks such as bowel obstruction.

Priscilla Presley and the Presley family were “shocked and devastated” by Lisa Marie’s death. They expressed their gratitude for the support and requested privacy during this difficult period.

Lisa Marie was laid to rest next to her son Benjamin, who died by suicide in 2020, and her father Elvis at Graceland.