Priscilla Presley, the former wife of music legend Elvis Presley, is at the center of a $50 million legal battle with her former business partners. The lawsuit has escalated with shocking new allegations suggesting she contributed to Elvis’ death, claims her legal team strongly dismisses as baseless and outrageous.
The Lawsuit and Its Origins
The case was filed by Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, two of Priscilla Presley’s ex-business partners, who accuse her of deception, exploitation, and misconduct. Originally, their lawsuit targeted financial disputes and claims of undue influence over Lisa Marie Presley’s medical care in 2023. Now, in an amended complaint, the pair allege that Priscilla was partly responsible for the King of Rock and Roll’s tragic death in 1977.
According to legal documents obtained, Kruse and Fialko claim that Priscilla placed financial and emotional pressure on Elvis by filing a lien against his iconic Graceland estate in April 1977, just months before he passed away. They argue that this action added unbearable stress to the singer’s already fragile condition.
Allegations of Financial Pressure on Elvis
The lawsuit states that Priscilla, dissatisfied with the financial outcome of her 1973 divorce settlement, sought additional money from Elvis by placing a lien on Graceland worth $494,024.49. Kruse and Fialko allege that this action intensified Elvis’ struggles during the final months of his life, contributing to his decline.
They further claim that after Elvis’ death, Priscilla used the lien to pressure his father, Vernon Presley, into naming her co-executor of Elvis’ estate — allegedly while Vernon himself was gravely ill. The plaintiffs describe Priscilla as a “calculated sociopath and master of deception” who exploited the Presley name and family legacy for personal financial gain.
Legal Response from Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Presley’s attorney, Marty Singer, quickly dismissed the lawsuit’s amended claims as sensationalist and unfounded. In a statement to TMZ, Singer said:
“These claims by Brigitte Kruse are absurd and ridiculous. We expect her next amendment to claim that Priscilla is responsible for the death of JFK.”
Singer maintains that the lawsuit is nothing more than a distraction from the real issues: allegations that Kruse and her associates misappropriated over $1 million from Presley. He added that Priscilla is the true victim in the situation, facing elder abuse and financial exploitation.
Previous Allegations Regarding Lisa Marie Presley
This is not the first time Kruse and Fialko have launched incendiary claims against Priscilla. In earlier filings, they alleged that she was responsible for removing her daughter Lisa Marie Presley from life support following her cardiac arrest in January 2023, despite Lisa Marie’s reported wishes to continue life-sustaining treatment.
They argued that Priscilla acted out of self-interest, believing that Lisa Marie’s death would secure her control over a family trust and Graceland itself. However, Priscilla has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them cruel fabrications.
Family Fallout: Riley Keough Steps In
After Lisa Marie’s passing, her daughter Riley Keough assumed control of her estate, including a substantial stake in Graceland. Riley reportedly paid her grandmother millions to resolve a legal dispute over the trust, ultimately becoming the estate’s main custodian.
Court documents connected to the lawsuit include a message allegedly sent by Riley to Priscilla, expressing heartbreak over their family conflict. In the message, Riley reportedly reminded Priscilla of Lisa Marie’s original reasons for wanting her removed from the trust, underscoring the deep divisions within the Presley family.
The Bigger Picture
The Presley family has long been under public scrutiny, with disputes over Graceland and Elvis’ legacy often spilling into the spotlight. This latest lawsuit, however, raises the stakes by tying Priscilla to Elvis’ death — a claim that goes far beyond the usual estate battles.
Legal experts note that such explosive allegations may struggle to hold up in court without substantial evidence. Still, the accusations have reignited debates over the Presley legacy and how it has been managed in the decades since Elvis’ passing.
What Comes Next
Priscilla Presley, now 80, continues to deny all wrongdoing. Her legal team insists the lawsuit is an attempt by former associates to deflect from their own misconduct. Meanwhile, Kruse and Fialko appear determined to pursue their claims, no matter how controversial.
The case underscores the enduring intrigue — and turmoil — surrounding the Presley family. Nearly half a century after Elvis’ death, disputes over money, power, and legacy continue to cast a shadow over one of the most iconic names in music history.
As the lawsuit moves forward, the Presley estate — and the family’s public image — remain caught in a storm of accusations that seem far from resolution.
Sources: TMZ
