Judge Rejects Bid to Oust Priscilla Presley’s Lawyer in Major Financial Elder Abuse Case

A California judge ruled in favor of Priscilla Presley on Monday. He rejected a move to disqualify her longtime attorney from her ongoing lawsuit. The case involves serious allegations of financial elder abuse.

The decision is a key early victory for Presley. It allows her legal team to proceed without disruption. This lawsuit centers on claims she was manipulated in business deals.

Core Conflict Over Elvis Memorabilia Deals

Presley, 80, sued auctioneer Brigitte Kruse and investor Kevin Fialko in July 2024. She alleges they isolated her from advisors. She claims they secured controlling interests in her intellectual property.

According to her complaint, the contracts were “unconscionable.” She states she was duped out of more than $1 million. The defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing.

They argue their deals saved Presley from financial trouble. They filed a $50 million breach-of-contract countersuit. The legal battle is now concentrated in a Santa Monica courtroom.

A “Very Thin” Challenge to Legal Counsel

The defeated motion came from defendant Brigitte Kruse. She claimed Presley’s lawyer, Marty Singer, previously advised her. She argued this created a conflict of interest.

Judge Mark Epstein found the evidence “very thin.” He noted no records of the alleged phone calls existed. Singer stated he had “no recollection” of such advice.

The judge respected Presley’s right to chosen counsel. He noted their long professional history predated this dispute. This ruling prevents further delays in the core financial elder abuse claims.

Marty Singer welcomed the court’s decision. He said the defense is trying to distract from the real issues. According to Reuters, such procedural motions are common in high-stakes litigation.

The path is now clear for Priscilla Presley’s financial elder abuse lawsuit to move toward a resolution on its merits, setting the stage for a definitive legal showdown over the contested agreements.

Info at your fingertips

What is Priscilla Presley alleging in her lawsuit?

She claims she was a victim of financial elder abuse. She says she was manipulated into signing unfair contracts. These deals allegedly gave others control over her name and likeness.

Who are the defendants in this case?

The defendants are memorabilia auctioneer Brigitte Kruse and investor Kevin Fialko. They partnered with Presley in business ventures. They have countersued for alleged breach of contract.

What was the result of the recent court hearing?

The judge denied the defendant’s motion to disqualify Presley’s lawyer. He found the conflict-of-interest claims lacked evidence. This allows Presley’s legal team to continue representing her.

How does this connect to the Elvis Presley estate?

The case involves Presley’s personal name and likeness rights. These are separate from Elvis Presley Enterprises, which controls Elvis’s assets. The dispute is over her personal business deals, not the official estate.