Graceland, the iconic Memphis home of the late Elvis Presley, is one of America’s most recognized residences, second only to the White House. When news broke of its potential public auction in May, it shocked and confused fans of the legendary musician, bringing attention to a growing issue of alleged deed fraud.
The controversy began last spring when Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC filed a lawsuit and announced a foreclosure sale for Graceland, claiming that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s daughter, had borrowed $3.8 million, using the property as collateral before her death in 2023. Lisa Marie’s daughter, actor Riley Keough, responded with a countersuit alleging fraud, claiming Naussany Investments was a fabricated entity with no rights to the property. This alleged plot to seize Graceland outraged Elvis fans across the country.
Graceland, which has been a revered site for generations of Elvis fans, from the 1950s to today, holds significant cultural importance. “People have been trying to take from Elvis since Elvis was Elvis,” said Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, on ABC’s “GMA3.” He described Graceland as a cherished place where Elvis lived, loved, and is now buried, along with his parents and daughter.
Graceland was also home to Lisa Marie, who became the sole heir to Elvis’s estate after his death in 1977. Over the years, Lisa Marie defended her family’s legacy and ensured its continuation, including approving Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated 2022 film “Elvis,” which emphasized her father’s appreciation for Black culture.
After Lisa Marie’s death in January 2023, her daughter Riley took her role as trustee seriously. Riley’s countersuit claimed the loan documents were forgeries, sparking an investigation that led to the discovery of a questionable notary seal on the documents. Private investigator Bradley Russell tracked down the alleged notary, Kimberly Philbrick, who denied notarizing anything for Lisa Marie and claimed the seal was a forgery.
Based on Philbrick’s affidavit, Riley’s legal team sought an injunction to stop the auction. Just a day before the sale, a judge granted the injunction. In August, Missouri resident Lisa Findley was arrested on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, accused of exploiting the Presley family’s legacy for personal gain. Findley allegedly forged loan documents and published a false foreclosure notice, aiming to auction Graceland.
Riley has committed to preserving Graceland as both a museum and a home, honoring her mother’s wishes. “People going through the house feel this love that doesn’t stop,” Riley shared on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Graceland’s legacy endures as a beloved symbol of Elvis’s life and impact.
