Written By 
Reviewed By Moiz Poaul
The iconic Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, former home of Elvis Presley, is at the center of a legal dispute. Riley Keough, granddaughter of the legendary singer, is challenging attempts to auction off the property, claiming that the foreclosure efforts are based on fraudulent assertions.
Auction Blocked by Court Order
A public auction for the Graceland estate was scheduled for Thursday, but a Memphis judge halted the sale. The decision came after Riley Keough sought a temporary restraining order and filed a lawsuit. Keough, an actress and daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, inherited the estate after her mother’s death last year.
Allegations of Fraudulent Loan Claims
The controversy stems from a foreclosure notice posted earlier in May, which stated that Promenade Trust, the entity controlling the Graceland museum, owed $3.8 million on a loan from 2018. The notice claimed that Graceland had been used as collateral for this loan, which was allegedly unpaid. Naussany Investments and Private Lending asserted that Lisa Marie Presley had secured the loan with a deed of trust on the property and planned to auction the estate to the highest bidder.
Keough’s Legal Action
Riley Keough, representing Promenade Trust, filed a lawsuit accusing Naussany Investments of presenting fraudulent documents. According to Keough’s lawyer, the documents, allegedly notarized in September 2023, were false. The notary, Kimberly Philbrick, denied ever meeting Lisa Marie Presley or notarizing any documents for her. The Associated Press attempted to contact Philbrick for comments, but received no response.
Statements and Legal Proceedings
W. Bradley Russell, Keough’s attorney, declined to comment on the case. Kurt Naussany, named as a defendant in court documents, referred questions to Gregory Naussany, who directed inquiries to the attorneys involved. As of now, court records do not list a lawyer for Naussany Investments.
Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages the Graceland museum and its associated entertainment complex, has labeled the foreclosure claims as fraudulent. In a statement, the company emphasized that there is no foreclosure sale and that Keough’s countersuit aims to halt the alleged fraud.
Historical Significance of Graceland
Graceland, opened as a museum in 1982, serves as a tribute to Elvis Presley, who passed away in 1977 at the age of 42. The estate remains a major tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The nearby Presley-themed entertainment complex, also managed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, adds to the site’s allure.
Public Reaction
Tim Marshall, a tourist from Queensland, Australia, expressed his surprise at the news of the attempted sale. Visiting Graceland as part of a lengthy U.S. tour, Marshall underscored the estate’s significance to fans worldwide.
Upcoming Court Hearing
An injunction hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Shelby County Chancery Court. This hearing will determine whether the restraining order against the auction will remain in place and address the allegations of fraud brought forward by Keough.
Conclusion
As legal proceedings continue, the fate of Graceland remains uncertain. Riley Keough’s lawsuit against Naussany Investments highlights the ongoing battle to preserve the legacy of one of America’s most famous cultural landmarks. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by Elvis fans and legal observers alike.
