Priscilla Presley Sues Former Business Associates for $1 Million Claiming Financial Elder Abuse
![Priscilla Presley Sues Former Business Associates for $1 Million Claiming Financial Elder Abuse - Gisela Schober/Getty Images via Rolling Stone](https://www.lawcommentary.com/img/articles/nMcJpApN0SzamFEs3ycPPxtjSfNx7RdKSM0Aegmm.jpg?fm=jpg&w=922&signature=a408c7453ef9ce99d7ee2aa7b8b592eb3e7c04e704c703c84104bbb4aca4d5a6)
Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of legendary musician Elvis Presley, has initiated a $1 million lawsuit against her former business associates, accusing them of financial elder abuse. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on July 18, 2024, centers on allegations of fraudulent activities by Brigitte Kruse, owner of GWS Auctions, and Kevin Fialko, along with other unnamed individuals.
According to Presley, Kruse and her associates systematically coerced her into surrendering control over her financial affairs. As reported by Complex, this alleged manipulation included convincing her to grant them “power of attorney, control over her family and personal trusts and control over her bank accounts.” Presley claims that Kruse deceived her into believing her previous financial advisors were untrustworthy, leading her to sign contracts and create companies that allowed Kruse and her associates to obtain 80 percent of her income. In total, she alleges over $1 million of funds have been misappropriated.
The legal complaint asserts that Kruse, described as a "con artist and pathological liar," manipulated Presley into forming Priscilla Presley Partners, LLC. Under the guise of managing Presley's business interests, Kruse allegedly exploited her position and siphoned off significant portions of Presley's income. These actions, Presley contends, amounted to financial elder abuse, a serious allegation that involves taking advantage of an older individual's financial resources through deceit or coercion.
Presley is seeking a court order to bar Kruse and her associates from accessing her finances and to compel them to provide comprehensive documentation of all financial transactions. She is also pursuing $1 million in damages for the alleged fraudulent activities.
This legal battle is not the first between Presley and Kruse. Kruse previously filed a lawsuit against Presley for breach of contract, claiming that Presley had ceased all communication regarding projects under Priscilla Presley Partners, LLC. Presley's attorney, Marty Singer, has emphasized the severity of the alleged abuses, stating that Kruse's actions forced Presley into "a form of indentured servitude."