Priscilla Presley & Brigitte Kruse in Legal Battle Over Elvis Memorabilia

Priscilla Presley & Brigitte Kruse in Legal Battle Over Elvis Memorabilia.

Priscilla Presley’s former business associate, Brigitte Kruse, is at the center of a growing legal dispute with Elvis Presley’s estate over the auction of alleged stolen memorabilia. The lawsuit has sparked significant controversy, with both parties asserting strong defenses.

The lawsuit involves Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), which is seeking to recover valuable memorabilia that it claims was unlawfully auctioned by Kruse and her company, GWS Auctions. The estate argues that the items in question were stolen and improperly offered for sale, setting the stage for a complicated legal battle.

The Lawsuit and Claims of Stolen Property

Elvis Presley Enterprises filed a lawsuit against Brigitte Kruse and GWS Auctions, as well as Thomas McDonald, who is also named as a defendant. EPE claims that the defendants sold "at least seventy-four irreplaceable documents and items of memorabilia" that belong to the Elvis Presley Trust. According to the estate, these items should not have been auctioned off.

The lawsuit further details that the memorabilia originally belonged to Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley’s longtime manager. When Parker’s collection was sold to the estate in 1990, it was expected that all items would be turned over. However, EPE claims that some of the items ended up with Greg McDonald, the father of Thomas McDonald. The estate alleges that Greg had denied possessing original documents, claiming instead that he only had photocopies. Later, it was discovered that Greg actually possessed original, irreplaceable items that should have been returned to the estate.

Thomas McDonald’s Response and Defenses

In his defense, Thomas McDonald, whose father Greg has since passed away, disputes the estate’s claims. He asserts that his father was gifted the items in question by Colonel Tom Parker, who trusted Greg and considered him a family member. McDonald argues that the items were in Greg’s possession prior to the 1990 agreement between Parker and the estate, meaning they were not part of the estate’s acquisition deal.

Thomas McDonald rejects the estate’s characterization of his father as a “greedy employee” who stole memorabilia. He contends that the items were rightfully given to Greg as gifts, not taken from the estate.

The Auction and Ongoing Legal Complications

Despite legal threats from Elvis Presley Enterprises to block the sale of the memorabilia, the auction was held, though the items have not yet been delivered to the winning buyers. A temporary protective order was issued by the court, halting the transfer of the items until the legal proceedings are resolved.

In the latest developments, Brigitte Kruse has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the items in question did not belong to the estate and that they were not improperly offered for auction. Kruse also accused the estate of bringing the lawsuit to “improperly interfere with legitimate business operations,” as she argues her company was simply conducting a legal auction. She is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed and demands that her legal fees be covered by the estate.

Priscilla Presley’s Involvement in the Legal Battle

Priscilla Presley is also embroiled in a separate legal dispute with Kruse, involving accusations of financial elder abuse. Priscilla has filed a lawsuit against her former business associate, alleging that Kruse manipulated her finances for personal gain. Both Priscilla and Kruse deny any wrongdoing, and the legal battles are ongoing.

Priscilla Presley has been a key figure in maintaining the legacy of Elvis Presley, but the legal challenges related to her former business partner have raised questions about how the estate is being managed. These lawsuits, including the case regarding the sale of memorabilia, have brought attention to how Elvis’ property is handled and protected.

The Future of Elvis Presley’s Memorabilia and the Ongoing Legal Fight

The outcome of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for the management of Elvis Presley’s estate and legacy. The lawsuit over the allegedly stolen memorabilia is particularly important, as it involves irreplaceable historical items that are closely tied to one of the most famous figures in music history. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen which side will prevail in court.

Key Takeaways

• Elvis Presley Enterprises is suing Brigitte Kruse and GWS Auctions for selling stolen memorabilia that belongs to the Elvis Presley estate.

• Thomas McDonald, the son of Greg McDonald, argues that the memorabilia was a gift from Colonel Tom Parker and was never part of the estate’s acquisition.

• Brigitte Kruse denies the allegations, claiming the items were not owned by the estate and accusing the lawsuit of interfering with her business operations.

• Priscilla Presley is also engaged in a separate legal case involving financial elder abuse, with Kruse as a central figure in the dispute.

• A court-ordered protective measure has temporarily blocked the transfer of the disputed memorabilia to auction winners, as the legal fight continues.