Priscilla Presley Faces $50M Fraud Lawsuit And Shocking Death Accusations

A $50 million lawsuit filed in Beverly Hills has escalated the ongoing legal saga surrounding Priscilla Presley and former business partners Brigitte Kruse and Kevin Fialko. While the suit repeats earlier allegations of breach of contract and fraud, it adds a sensational claim: that Priscilla hastened the death of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023 to gain control over her daughter’s assets. The plaintiffs allege Priscilla assumed authority over Lisa Marie’s medical decisions in violation of her advance directive and then insisted on immediate public disclosure of her death.

Adding another layer, Stan Lee’s former manager, Keya Morgan, is named as a co-defendant for allegedly interfering with relevant business contracts. Priscilla’s attorneys have forcefully rejected the accusations, labeling them defamatory and expressing confidence the case will be dismissed.

The Heart of the Dispute: The Promenade Trust

At the core of the legal battle lies the Promenade Trust, which holds substantial assets including Graceland and shares in Elvis Presley Enterprises. Following Lisa Marie’s death, a contested trust amendment removed Priscilla as trustee, reducing her authority over these assets. Disputes over such trustee changes highlight a critical estate planning principle: trust documents and succession plans must be periodically reviewed, updated, and clearly communicated to avoid post-mortem conflicts.

From an estate planning perspective, the Presley case underscores the importance of successor trustee provisions, explicit beneficiary designations, and coordination with other estate documents like wills, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. These tools are equally important for high-profile figures and everyday clients, as they provide clarity on asset control during incapacity and after death.

Settlement and Ongoing Litigation

A partial settlement between Priscilla and her granddaughter, Riley Keough, resulted in financial payments and a formal advisory role for Priscilla. However, disputes with Kruse and Fialko over business management and alleged financial exploitation continue. In fact, Priscilla’s elder abuse lawsuit against the pair is currently being prioritized, with the breach of contract case stayed until that matter is resolved.

Elder abuse allegations often intersect with estate and trust disputes—particularly where diminished capacity, financial influence, or business entanglements are in play. Advisors should note how power of attorney misuse, contested trust amendments, and complex business holdings can open the door to such claims.

Lessons for Beneficiary Rights and Trust Management

For beneficiaries—whether in celebrity estates or more modest portfolios—the Presley dispute is a reminder that rights to trust assets, distributions, and trustee accountability are not always automatic or uncontested. Beneficiaries can challenge a trustee’s actions or even the validity of trust amendments if they suspect undue influence or procedural defects.

Proper trust management involves:

• Regular accountings to beneficiaries

• Transparent communication about trust assets and decisions

• Independent oversight where conflicts of interest may exist

• Alignment of trust terms with other financial tools, including life insurance and annuities

Where Insurance Fits In

While not central to the current Presley lawsuit, life insurance and annuities often play a pivotal role in estate settlement and trust funding. In many high-net-worth plans, life insurance proceeds are used to provide liquidity for estate taxes, equalize inheritances among heirs, or fund buy-sell agreements for business interests—reducing the likelihood of disputes over illiquid assets like real estate or intellectual property rights. Properly structuring ownership (e.g., through an irrevocable life insurance trust) can also shield assets from estate taxes and ensure control passes smoothly according to the grantor’s wishes.

Key Takeaways for Advisors

• Review and Update Regularly – Encourage clients to revisit wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations after major life events to prevent disputes.

• Coordinate Legal and Financial Tools – Ensure trust provisions align with insurance policies, annuities, and other estate funding strategies.

• Clarify Successor Roles – Define trustee succession and powers of attorney to minimize conflicts during incapacity or after death.

• Protect Against Elder Abuse – Implement safeguards like co-trustees, third-party oversight, or professional fiduciaries for at-risk clients.

• Plan for Liquidity – Use life insurance strategically to cover estate taxes, provide equal distributions, or fund business succession.

• Educate Beneficiaries – Provide guidance to heirs on their rights, the trust’s purpose, and how disputes can be resolved.