Priscilla Presley is confronting claims suggesting that she played a role in her husband Elvis Presley’s demise.
On Friday, former business associates Bridget Cruze and Kevin Fialko adjusted their $50 million lawsuit against Priscilla, insinuating her involvement in Elvis’ death.
The revised lawsuit outlines that Priscilla is unhappy with her divorce settlement from Elvis.
“Even though she profited significantly and secured millions from Elvis, she imposed a lien on Graceland for $494,024.49 around April 29, 1977, placing significant pressure on Elvis within just four months of his death,” the lawsuit mentions.
Kruse and Fialko claimed this financial strain “excessively pressured” Elvis and ultimately contributed to his death.
In reaction to the lawsuit, Priscilla’s attorney Marty Singer stressed, “Priscilla had nothing to do with the assassination of JFK. She hasn’t hidden Area 51 or forged the moon landing.” He added, “I’ll take off my aluminum foil hat and face reality.”
According to Singer, the lawsuit implies that Priscilla, along with her alleged co-conspirators, became victims of a campaign of fraud and abuse orchestrated by Cruze.
Kruse and Fialko have characterized Priscilla as “a calculated sociopath” who exploited her last name for personal gain, claiming she is akin to “a pit viper willing to prey upon her own family.”
The initial lawsuit filed in August accused Priscilla of fraud and breach of contract, asserting she misused her name and image, while obscuring her sale of those rights years ago.
The claims extended to allegations that Priscilla had acted maliciously during the final moments of Lisa Marie’s life, suggesting she separated Lisa from family members against her wishes.
It is alleged that rather than honoring Lisa’s directives regarding medical care, Priscilla moved quickly to regain control of the Presley estate after Lisa’s death.
“Priscilla rushed to West Hills Hospital and, despite Lisa’s clear instructions, pulled the plug shortly after Lisa’s recognition, even before her daughter and heir, Riley Keough, arrived,” the lawsuit asserts.
Priscilla’s attorney sharply criticized the lawsuit, calling it “shameful” and characterizing accusations against a grieving mother as “disgusting.”
The updated complaints included what purported to be communication between Priscilla, her granddaughter, and Lisa Marie’s daughter, Riley. After Lisa’s passing, Riley inherited her mother’s estate, thus becoming a key stakeholder in the Graceland estate.
Details from the lawsuit mention that Riley reached out to Priscilla shortly after her mother’s death, expressing shock that discussions about inheritance had begun almost immediately.
Riley supposedly informed Priscilla that her mother had ceased legal actions against her just weeks before her passing, implying that she had halted these actions to prevent further conflict.
In a broader context, Priscilla’s own suit against her former associates claims that they isolated her from trusted advisors, mismanaged finances, and executed numerous contracts without her consent.
One judge has previously remarked that if the allegations are true, it could indeed represent classic elder abuse. However, Kruse and Fialko argue that claims of abuse are simply a tactic used by Priscilla to suppress valid contractual claims and are seeking over $50 million in damages.
