While Elvis Presley’s death in 1977 has long been attributed to a heart attack complicated by prescription drug use, a sensational $50 million lawsuit filed by former business partners Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko now alleges Priscilla Presley played a direct role in the music icon’s demise.
The amended complaint accuses Priscilla of placing a $494,024.49 lien on Graceland property in April 1977, less than four months before Elvis’ death on August 16.
The lawsuit contends that Priscilla “exerted undue pressure” on Elvis and effectively “pushed him to his death” through financial manipulation. According to court documents, Priscilla was allegedly dissatisfied with her 1973 divorce settlement and subsequently “enriched herself and extorted millions” beyond the agreed terms, despite initially being entitled to inherit nothing following their separation.
Kruse and Fialko argue the Graceland lien represented a calculated financial tactic that considerably increased stress on Elvis during his final months, directly contributing to his fatal heart attack. The lawsuit also claims Priscilla allegedly used the lien to manipulate Vernon Presley, Elvis’s father, as part of her strategy to gain financial control. The timing of the lien, specifically dated April 1977, features prominently in their timeline of events allegedly leading to the singer’s death.
Priscilla’s attorney, Marty Singer, has vehemently denied all allegations, characterizing them as “absurd,” “ridiculous,” and comparable to baseless conspiracy theories.
“These claims are as credible as conspiracies about JFK, the moon landing, Area 51, and Bigfoot,” Singer stated, calling the accusation of Priscilla’s involvement in Elvis’ death “despicable.”
This lawsuit represents just one facet of a larger, bitter legal feud involving Priscilla, Kruse, and Fialko, which has expanded to include disputes over Lisa Marie Presley’s estate following her death. The lawsuit’s explosive allegations go so far as to describe Priscilla as a “calculated sociopath” exploiting the Presley name for financial gain.
Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s daughter and Priscilla’s granddaughter, has publicly expressed emotional distress caused by the ongoing family court battles.
Priscilla’s legal team maintains that Kruse and Fialko are actually the ones exploiting Priscilla through elder abuse and financial misconduct, vowing to vindicate her against what they describe as malicious and unfounded accusations designed to damage her reputation.
The lawsuit also claims Priscilla prevented Elvis from pursuing lucrative sync deals for his music, which could have generated substantial income without requiring exhausting tour schedules.
The lawsuit further alleges that if Elvis had lived, he could have built a stronger online presence through strategic music promotion and audience engagement that would have extended his legacy and financial success.
