In recent news, Graceland, the estate of the late rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, has expressed doubts about the authenticity of memorabilia sold by GWS Auctions. This comes shortly after Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ ex-wife, accused the auction house owner, Brigitte Kruse, of financial abuse. Graceland executives have raised questions about the items being sold by GWS Auctions and their connections to Elvis.
One particular item that caught their attention is a black grommet jacket, claimed to have been worn by Elvis in 1972. However, Joel Weinshanker, the managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, revealed that the jacket is currently in Graceland’s private collection. “We know there was only one made, and guess what? We have it in our archives,” he stated.
But the jacket is not the only cause for concern. GWS Auctions has also offered other pieces of Elvis’ jewelry and even his plane, a red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar, for sale. Graceland has disputed the authenticity of these items, revealing that Elvis never flew on that specific plane and only owned it for a few months.
The relationship between Kruse and Priscilla Presley has further complicated matters. According to Priscilla’s complaint, Kruse started assisting with Priscilla’s finances and acting as her power of attorney after meeting through mutual connections associated with Elvis memorabilia sales. While some items sold by GWS Auctions were accompanied by letters written by Priscilla validating their authenticity, Graceland executives grew skeptical, as these items were allegedly owned by Elvis after his split from Priscilla.
Although Kruse claimed that it’s impossible for every single item owned by Elvis to have been documented, Graceland maintains that they have extensive records of his possessions. With their thorough understanding of Elvis’ financial history, they have a good grasp of what he owned.
This recent dispute is not the first legal battle between Priscilla Presley and Kruse. In 2023, Kruse sued Priscilla for an alleged breach of contract after forming a business partnership. Now, Priscilla’s countersuit accuses Kruse and her associates of manipulating and defrauding her in a financial elder abuse scheme.
Graceland’s concerns and Priscilla’s legal battles highlight the importance of verifying the authenticity of Elvis Presley memorabilia. As fans, it is crucial to ensure that the items we cherish as part of his legacy are genuine.
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