In a dramatic turn of events, Priscilla Presley, the 79-year-old actress and former wife of Elvis Presley, has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing her former business associates of committing financial elder abuse. The lawsuit, lodged on Thursday, outlines a series of allegations against the individuals behind an LLC established in her name, claiming that they engaged in fraudulent practices that significantly harmed her financially.
Claims of Coercion and Financial Misappropriation
According to the complaint, the individuals associated with Priscilla Presley Partners, LLC, including auction house founder Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko, allegedly coerced Presley into granting them power of attorney, as well as control over her family and personal trusts and bank accounts over a span of two years. Presley’s lawsuit accuses these defendants of misappropriating over $1 million of her funds, alleging that their actions were driven by a malicious intent to exploit her financially.
The legal documents, reviewed by USA TODAY, detail how Presley believes that Kruse and Fialko conspired to gain her trust under false pretenses. They purportedly isolated her from her close contacts and misled her into believing that their goal was to take care of her personal and financial affairs. Instead, Presley claims their real objective was to deplete her assets.
Understanding Financial Elder Abuse
Financial elder abuse involves the illegal or improper use of an elderly person’s assets. It can include fraudulent schemes by scammers, exploitation by trusted individuals like family members or financial advisors, and coercion into poor financial decisions. Mismanagement, such as neglecting bill payments or mishandling investments, and unauthorized use of funds are also common. The impact can be severe, leading to financial loss, diminished independence, and emotional distress for the elderly victims. Preventing such abuse requires vigilance and legal intervention.
Allegations of Exploitation and Control
The lawsuit further alleges that Presley’s former associates gained control over her finances in a manner akin to “indentured servitude,” forcing her to work to benefit them financially. This claim paints a stark picture of Presley being trapped in a situation where her financial stability was compromised, and her autonomy was undermined.
Presley is seeking substantial damages in the lawsuit, specifically $1 million, in addition to requesting that the court bar the defendants from accessing her finances and mandate full transparency regarding all financial transactions. This legal action underscores the gravity of her claims and her demand for restitution and justice.
Counterclaims and Previous Legal Disputes
In a twist to the ongoing legal saga, it was revealed that Priscilla Presley Partners, LLC, had previously sued Presley for breach of contract. This lawsuit, filed in Florida in October 2023, sought $50,000 in damages, accusing Presley of cutting the LLC out of various business deals. The legal documents indicate that the defendants, Kruse and Fialko, were allegedly managing Presley’s affairs despite the considerable difficulty it imposed on their existing businesses.
Kruse and Fialko contended that they had rescued Presley from dire financial circumstances by establishing the LLC to capitalize on her name, image, and likeness. However, they claimed that Presley breached their contract by excluding them from prominent business opportunities, including the “Priscilla” premiere at the Venice Film Festival and NBC’s “Christmas at Graceland” TV special.
Allegations of False Victimisation
Presley’s lawsuit accuses Kruse and Fialko of attempting to falsely portray themselves as victims once their fraudulent scheme was exposed. The complaint suggests that the defendants filed a lawsuit in Florida as a tactic to deflect attention from their alleged misdeeds and to challenge Presley’s claims by asserting that she breached various operating agreements and fiduciary duties.
Priscilla Presley’s ongoing lawsuit
The legal battle between Priscilla Presley and her former business associates is unfolding with significant implications. As Presley seeks justice and financial restitution, the court proceedings will likely reveal more details about the allegations and counterclaims involved. The outcome of this high-profile case will not only impact Presley’s financial status but also shed light on the broader issue of financial elder abuse and exploitation.
