Priscilla Presley Prevails in Battle Against Financial Elder Abuse, Retains Longtime Lawyer

On Monday, Priscilla Presley successfully blocked an attempt to remove her long-time attorney, Marty Singer, from representing her in a financial elder abuse case against memorabilia seller Brigitte Kruse. The hearing, held in Santa Monica, California, saw the judge conclude that Kruse did not provide sufficient proof that Singer offered her legal guidance in 2022 or 2023 regarding her business dealings with Presley, which could have caused a conflict of interest.

The judge described Kruses evidence as very thin, particularly concerning her claims of two brief phone consultations with Singer. Kruses motion alleged that she contacted Singer after receiving a letter from Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) in August 2022, threatening legal action over an auction featuring Presley-authenticated items. She also claimed they spoke in February 2023 about a cease-and-desist notice regarding Presleys beauty product marketing, which EPE said infringed on previously sold rights to her name and image.

Judge Mark Epstein expressed skepticism about Kruses claims, noting the lack of supporting documentation. Youve given me no evidence other than a statement by Ms. Kruse. I have no retention agreement, email, phone record, notes, or text references to these conversations, he stated. Singer, in a sworn declaration, asserted he had no recollection of any calls with Kruse, and even if they occurred, they were not closely related to the elder abuse lawsuit.

In denying the disqualification motion, the judge emphasized the importance of respecting clients choice of counsel. He highlighted Presleys longstanding relationship with Singer, which preceded her business interactions with Kruse, clarifying that this was not a case of hiring a lawyer to gain an advantage.

Singer commented, While Ms. Kruse and the other defendants continue to attempt distractions, Ms. Presley is eager to move forward and hold them accountable. Kruses attorney, Jordan Matthews, dismissed the ruling as irrelevant, asserting that they intend to present significant evidence in the ongoing case.

The dispute between Presley, 80, and Kruse, 42, centers on companies formed to capitalize on Presleys name, image, and likeness. Presleys July 2024 complaint accused Kruse and investor Kevin Fialko of coercing her into contracts that gave Kruse majority control of her intellectual property, while limiting Presleys share and allegedly defrauding her of over $1 million. Kruse and Fialko maintain they acted transparently and invested in the ventures to prevent Presley from facing financial difficulties, pointing to video evidence of Presley signing documents knowingly.

Following the death of Presleys daughter Lisa Marie in 2023, Presley challenged a 2016 amendment to Lisa Maries Promenade Trust that removed her as a trustee. She ultimately reached a settlement with her granddaughter, Riley Keough, receiving a $1 million lump-sum and a ten-year advisory role with a $100,000 annual salary. Soon after, Presley issued a cease-and-desist to Kruse and Fialko, who then filed breach-of-contract claims, eventually forming a $50 million lawsuit.

The Santa Monica judge previously allowed Presleys elder abuse case to proceed before addressing Kruses Florida lawsuit, stating it was illogical to enforce disputed agreements before their validity was determined. This paved the way for Kruse and Fialkos separate claims to move forward as both a standalone and cross-complaint in California.

Author: Sophia Brooks