Priscilla Presley is facing a staggering $50 million lawsuit, with former business partners alleging she played a role in Elvis Presley’s death.
Priscilla Presley is currently embroiled in a significant legal battle, facing a $50 million lawsuit filed by her former business partners, Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko.
The amended complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on September 5, 2025, alleges that Priscilla placed a lien on Graceland for nearly $495,000 in April 1977, just months before Elvis Presley’s death. The plaintiffs claim this financial pressure contributed to Elvis’s deteriorating health and eventual death from a heart attack and drug complications according to People.
Elvis Presley during his iconic 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, wearing a rhinestone-studded jumpsuit and flower leis, capturing his legendary stage presence.
Allegations of Manipulation and Financial Exploitation
TMZ reports that the lawsuit further alleges that Priscilla used the lien to manipulate Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, into naming her co-executor of the estate while Elvis was on his deathbed.
Kruse and Fialko describe Priscilla as a "calculated sociopath and master of deception," accusing her of exploiting the Presley legacy for personal gain. In response, Priscilla’s attorney, Marty Singer, has strongly denied these claims, labeling them as "absurd and ridiculous" and suggesting that the allegations are an attempt to deflect attention from a separate case where Kruse and her associates are accused of misappropriating $1 million from Priscilla.
Background on the Presley Estate
Elvis Presley passed away in 1977, leaving behind an estate valued at approximately $5 million at the time. Priscilla Presley, despite their divorce, played a pivotal role in managing the estate, transforming Graceland into a profitable business empire. Under her leadership, Graceland opened to the public in 1982 and is now estimated to be worth around $500 million. Following Lisa Marie Presley’s death in 2023, her daughter, Riley Keough, assumed control of the estate after reaching a settlement with Priscilla.
Graceland, Elvis Presley’s legendary home, remains a symbol of his enduring legacy and a must-visit landmark for fans worldwide.
FAQs: People Also Ask
What is the basis of the $50 million lawsuit against Priscilla Presley?
The lawsuit alleges that Priscilla Presley placed a lien on Graceland in April 1977, creating financial pressure on Elvis Presley, which contributed to his death. It also claims she manipulated Elvis’s father into naming her co-executor of the estate.
How has Priscilla Presley responded to the lawsuit?
Priscilla's attorney, Marty Singer, has denied the allegations, calling them "absurd and ridiculous." He suggests the claims are an attempt to divert attention from a separate case involving accusations of misappropriation of funds.
What role did Priscilla Presley play in managing Elvis's estate?
Despite their divorce, Priscilla Presley became co-executor of Elvis's estate and played a significant role in transforming Graceland into a profitable business. Her efforts have contributed to the estate's current estimated value of $500 million.
Who currently oversees the Presley estate?
After Lisa Marie Presley's death in 2023, her daughter, Riley Keough, took control of the Presley estate following a settlement with Priscilla Presley.
Three generations of the Presley family — Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Riley — share a memorable moment at a high-profile event, celebrating their enduring legacy.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing legal dispute underscores the complex and often contentious nature of celebrity estates, highlighting just how fiercely money and legacy can clash even decades after a star’s passing. As the case progresses, it may shed light on the intricate dynamics of the Presley family's legacy and the management of one of the most iconic estates in entertainment history.
Yet, for many observers, it feels unsettling to see such intense arguments over the fortune of a man who has been gone for nearly half a century. While accountability is important if there was any wrongdoing, the public perception of this lawsuit leans heavily toward greed, raising uncomfortable questions about how far some are willing to go in the pursuit of wealth tied to a legendary figure.
