Elvis’s Iconic Graceland Not for Sale, Riley Keough Claims Fraud

Elvis Presley’s granddaughter, actress Danielle Riley Keough, is taking legal action to halt the scheduled foreclosure sale of Graceland, the iconic Memphis compound. She claims that the company managing the sale not only falsified documents but also doesn’t exist.

Following the passing of her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, in January 2023, Riley Keough inherited ownership of the property. Now, she alleges that the documents used in the foreclosure process have forged, and the company orchestrating the sale lacks legitimacy.

This legal battle adds a new chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding the legacy of Elvis Presley and the fate of his cherished estate.

The sprawling 14-acre Graceland compound holds immense significance as a beloved tourist attraction and serves as the resting place for multiple generations of Keough’s family. Among those laid to rest there are Elvis himself, his parents, as well as Danielle Riley Keough’s own mother and brother.

The compound is not only a historic landmark but also a place of personal importance to Keough, holding the memories and legacies of her family members.

Its status as a popular tourist destination adds to its cultural significance, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the magic of Elvis Presley’s former home and final resting place.

Last week, Riley Keough, known professionally as Riley, took legal action by filing a complaint in a Tennessee civil court. Her aim to halt the impending sale of Graceland, which she asserts orchestrated by a company named Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC. The sale, as advertised by Naussany Investments, scheduled for Thursday, according to Keough’s filing.

According to the 61-page legal document filed by Riley Keough, in September 2023, Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC presented documents claiming that Lisa Marie Presley borrowed $3.8 million from them. These documents purportedly showed that Presley used Graceland as collateral by giving a deed of trust to Naussany Investments.

However, Keough disputes these claims, asserting that her mother, Lisa Marie Presley. Which never borrowed money from Naussany Investments or provided a deed of trust for Graceland or any other property. She alleges that the documents presented by Naussany Investments are fraudulent.

Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that Naussany Investments is not a legitimate entity. By casting doubt on the authenticity of the entire transaction. This argument suggests that the company lacks the legal standing to foreclose on Graceland or engage in any financial dealings related to the property.

Keough’s legal challenge underscores her determination to challenge what she perceives as deceptive practices surrounding the iconic estate.

The lawsuit states that Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC seems a fake entity created. Specifically to deceive the Promenade Trust, Lisa Marie Presley’s heirs, or any potential buyer of Graceland during a non-judicial sale.

In addition to the LLC, the lawsuit also names Kurt Naussany as a defendant. It claims that Naussany has represented the company by sending multiple emails to Keough’s lawyers. By demanding payment for the alleged $3.8 million debt and threatening to proceed with a non-judicial sale of Graceland.

This legal action highlights Keough’s determination to challenge what she sees as fraudulent attempts to exploit her family’s estate.

Additionally, a phone number linked to the company in the legal documents is no longer in service.

Adding to the complexity, Kurt Naussany claimed via email to NBC News that he left the company back in 2015 and should not included in the lawsuit. However, a document attached to the complaint contains an email purportedly sent by Naussany in 2023.

While a lawyer representing Riley Keough declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings. Elvis Presley Enterprises, the entity managing the late singer’s estate, denounced the allegations, labeling them as fraudulent.

This development further muddies the waters surrounding the dispute over Graceland’s ownership.Which raises questions about the authenticity of the individuals and entities involved.

It’s a scam! declared Priscilla Presley, Elvis’s ex-wife and Lisa Marie’s mother, on her social media accounts. By dismissing claims of a foreclosure sale of Graceland. Echoing this sentiment, statements from Riley Keough reinforced that there is no such sale. Which emphasizing that their filed counter lawsuit aims to halt what they see as fraudulent activity.

This unified stance underscores their commitment to protecting the integrity of Elvis Presley’s estate and thwarting any perceived attempts at deception.

According to court, the Shelby County Chancery Court has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday at 9 a.m. local time to address the injunction requested by Riley Keough.

Additionally, the court has issued a restraining order preventing Naussany Investments, Kurt Naussany. Or any affiliated parties from proceeding with any sale of the property until further notice. This legal action reflects the court’s recognition of the seriousness of the situation and its commitment to ensuring a fair resolution to the dispute over Graceland’s ownership.

Keough Alleges Document Forgery:

The lawsuit claims that the documents in question, which supposedly depict the loan and deed of trust, are “forgeries.”

Despite bearing signatures resembling those of Lisa Marie Presley, the lawsuit asserts that she did not actually sign them. Furthermore, it highlights two indicators that strongly suggest the documents are fraudulent.

According to the lawsuit, the documents allegedly acknowledged before a notary public named Kimberly Philbrick in Duval County, Florida, in May 2018. One of the documents contains a notarial acknowledgment stating that it acknowledged. Before the notary “by means of ( ) physical presence or online notarization,” with the option to choose either.

However, online notarization did not legally authorized in Florida until 2020. By raising questions about the authenticity of the document and the validity of the notary’s actions.

Additionally, Kimberly Philbrick herself has denied notarizing either of the documents. In an affidavit signed earlier this month and submitted with the complaint, she stated. “I have never met Lisa Marie Presley, nor have I ever notarized a document signed by Lisa Marie Presley.”

She expressed confusion about why her signature appears on the document. Further raising doubts about the authenticity of the paperwork and the circumstances surrounding its creation.

Another document reveals Naussany Investment’s notice of the foreclosure sale, which was published online on May 12. The notice states that the foreclosure sale is being pursued due to the non-repayment of a loan secured by Graceland.

It asserts that Naussany Investments is authorized to conduct a public auction outside the Shelby County Courthouse at 11 a.m. on May 23. With the intention of selling the property to the “highest and best bidder for cash.” This notice further intensifies the legal battle surrounding Graceland’s ownership and highlights the urgency of the situation.

Keough contends that Naussany Investments lacks any legitimate authority to proceed with the sale. She is petitioning the court to issue a permanent injunction preventing the sale from taking place.

Additionally, she seeks a declaration from the court that the note and deed of trust are fraudulent and therefore cannot be enforced. Furthermore, Keough requests any other relief that the court deems appropriate in this matter.

This legal action underscores Keough’s determination to challenge. What she perceives as wrongful attempts to sell Graceland and to seek justice in the ongoing dispute.

Elvis’s Home Draws Tourists:

Graceland has a humble origin as part of a cattle farm before it became the iconic home of Elvis Presley. In March 1957, Elvis purchased the property, including the existing mansion, for $102,500.

Over the years, Graceland transformed into a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll royalty, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Its cultural significance and historical value have elevated its worth. So, with estimates ranging between $400 million and $500 million as of 2020.

This remarkable journey from a simple farm to a legendary estate reflects the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley and the enduring appeal of Graceland.

Elvis Presley moved into Graceland later in 1957, following the completion of filming for “Jailhouse Rock.” Over the years, he expanded the mansion to its current size of 17,552 square feet. By adding notable features such as the kidney shaped swimming pool and gates styled like sheet music.

Graceland served as Elvis’s primary residence for the next two decades, until his passing in August 1977. Throughout his time at Graceland, Elvis left an indelible mark on the estate. Which transforming it into an iconic symbol of his legacy and enduring influence on music and pop culture.

After Elvis’s passing, ownership of the estate transferred to his father, Vernon Presley. Later to his daughter, Lisa Marie, when she turned 25 in 1993. In August 2023, ownership officially passed to Riley Keough after a lengthy legal battle with her grandmother over her mother’s will.

Since 1982, Graceland has welcomed visitors from around the world, offering tours of the iconic mansion and its grounds. Over the years, it has evolved into a sprawling complex, featuring a hotel, multiple museums, restaurants, and an entertainment center, among other attractions.

Graceland’s expansion reflects its enduring popularity and its status as a must visit destination for fans of Elvis Presley and music enthusiasts alike.

Graceland is a significant employer, providing jobs for hundreds of workers, and it attracts over 500,000 visitors each year. The venue proudly boasts itself as the “most famous home in America after the White House.”

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Graceland was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Furthermore, it earned the distinction of being designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. Which making it the first rock-n-roll site to receive this dual honor. These accolades underscore Graceland’s importance as a landmark of American cultural history.