Presley Family Unity Tested Amid Explosive $50 Million Lawsuit: Priscilla and Riley Issue Joint Statement

Presley Family Unites Against “Deeply Hurtful” $50 Million Lawsuit Allegations

Hollywood, CA – Priscilla Presley, 80, and her granddaughter, Riley Keough, 36, have issued a rare joint statement, firmly refuting what they describe as “untrue and deeply hurtful” allegations stemming from a $50 million civil lawsuit filed by Priscilla’s former business partners, Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko.

“We are aware of the latest allegations from Brigitte Kruse. These claims are not only untrue but also deeply hurtful. Our family is, and always has been, united in love and respect for one another,” the duo stated to PEOPLE. They emphasized their unwavering focus: “Our shared priority remains honoring Lisa Marie’s memory and protecting Elvis’ legacy with dignity. We will not allow outside voices to divide us or to diminish the strength of our bond as a family.”

This unified front comes amidst a complex and contentious legal battle that has publicly unveiled deep rifts within the legendary Presley family, particularly following the tragic death of Lisa Marie Presley in January 2023 at the age of 54 from a small bowel obstruction. The lawsuit, initially filed against Priscilla Presley, has since seen an amended complaint that levels sensational accusations, including claims that Priscilla orchestrated Lisa Marie’s early death in a bid to regain control of the lucrative Elvis Presley estate.

The Heart of the Dispute: A Shocking Amended Complaint

The amended lawsuit, submitted in Los Angeles Superior Court by Kruse and Fialko, escalates their original claims of fraud in the inducement, breach of contract, conversion, misappropriation of name and likeness, and intentional interference with contract and prospective economic advantage against Priscilla. However, it is the new, more explosive allegations that have sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.

Among the most startling accusations is the claim that Priscilla Presley also put “undue financial pressure” on Elvis Presley in the spring of 1977, a factor they allege ultimately “pushed him to his death” on August 16 of that year. These claims paint a picture of a calculated individual driven by a desire for control over the vast Presley empire.

Riley Keough’s Emotional Letter Revealed

The joint statement from Priscilla and Riley is particularly significant given that an emotional letter from Riley to her grandmother, written shortly after Lisa Marie’s passing, was recently made public within the amended lawsuit filing. In the letter, Keough expressed profound distress over the immediate legal wrangling post-tragedy.

“Unfortunately Nona as you are taking me to court I am being forced to defend my mother’s wishes legally and publicly which would not have been my choice,” Keough wrote, highlighting her long-standing efforts to reconcile her mother’s and grandmother’s strained relationship. “It is really hurtful that after years of me trying to resolve your and my mother’s broken relationship and restore our family, you are taking me, of all people, to court.” She further revealed her heartbreak over the swift onset of legal proceedings: “I found being called about the will, less than 24 hours after my mother passed and getting emails from lawyers before my mother was even buried, incredibly heartbreaking.”

Fiery Denials and Counter-Allegations

Priscilla Presley’s attorney, in a robust defense, vehemently denied the claims, calling the new allegations in the $50 million civil lawsuit “despicable.” The lawyer dismissed the accusations as absurd, stating, “Priscilla did not have anything to do with the assassination of JFK, she did not cover up Area 51, she did not fake the moon landing, and she is not secretly keeping Bigfoot locked in a cabin in Canada.” He further accused Brigitte Kruse of engaging in “a relentless and calculated campaign of elder abuse and fraud” against Priscilla, aiming to seize control of her finances.

In response, Jordan Matthews of Holtz Matthews LLP, representing Kruse and Fialko, countered these denials. “Apparently, Ms. Presley’s defense is to list off nonsense hyperbolic statements that have no substance. The documents are in black and white and speak volumes. To date, Ms. Presley has presented zero evidence in support of her salacious claims, and we intend to hold her accountable for her reckless behavior,” Matthews stated, indicating that the legal battle is far from over and promises to delve deeper into the intricate financial and personal histories of the Presley family.