Elvis Memorabilia Auction Scandal: Priscilla Presley and Graceland Call Out GWS Auctions for Selling Fake Items
In a jaw-dropping twist that has rocked the world of Elvis Presley memorabilia, GWS Auctions, helmed by Brigitte Kruse, is under intense scrutiny. This follows accusations from Priscilla Presley and Graceland executives that the auction house has been selling items with questionable ties to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The controversy erupted just days after Priscilla Presley filed a lawsuit alleging financial abuse by Kruse.
The Catalyst: A Legal Battle Unfolds
The scandal first gained traction when Priscilla Presley, Elvis’s ex-wife, sued Kruse and three associates for allegedly conning her out of $1 million in a financial elder abuse scheme. The lawsuit claims that Kruse ingratiated herself into Priscilla’s life, eventually manipulating and defrauding her under the guise of managing her finances and leveraging her name.
Graceland Sounds the Alarm
Graceland executives became suspicious of GWS Auctions when a supposedly one-of-a-kind black grommet jacket, worn by Elvis in 1972, appeared for sale. Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, confirmed that the authentic jacket is actually housed in Graceland’s private collection. “We know there was only one made, and guess what? We have it in our archives,” Weinshanker told NBC News.
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Questionable Memorabilia Under Scrutiny
The black grommet jacket is just the tip of the iceberg. Other items auctioned by GWS, including pieces of Elvis’ jewelry and even a red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar plane, have raised eyebrows. Graceland asserts that Elvis never flew on the plane, and he only owned it for a brief period. The estate’s detailed records, meticulously kept by Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, provide strong evidence against the authenticity of these items.
Priscilla Presley’s Role in the Controversy
Priscilla’s endorsement of the auction items has also come under fire. NBC News reported that many of the items sold by GWS were accompanied by letters from Priscilla attesting to their authenticity. This has led to further questions, as some of these items were purportedly acquired after Priscilla and Elvis’s divorce in 1972. For instance, the gold “Aloha from Hawaii” snowman cufflinks, allegedly purchased by Elvis in 1973, were authenticated by Priscilla despite their post-divorce provenance.
The Fallout on Social Media
Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the scandal. Fans and collectors alike are shocked by the revelations. Some express disbelief over the alleged fraud, while others are heartbroken at the potential deception involving their idol’s cherished memorabilia.
Kruse’s Defense
Brigitte Kruse has defended her auction house’s practices, acknowledging the Presley family’s extensive records but arguing that it’s unrealistic to believe every item Elvis owned was documented. “We weren’t there. None of us were there,” Kruse told NBC News. “So how can they without a doubt, unequivocally say, ‘We have everything?’ It’s an impossibility.”
The Larger Implications
The controversy has far-reaching implications for the memorabilia market. Collectors are now wary, and the authenticity of high-value items is under more scrutiny than ever before. This scandal could potentially reshape how memorabilia is verified and sold in the future.
FAQs
What is the controversy surrounding GWS Auctions? GWS Auctions is accused of selling Elvis Presley memorabilia with questionable authenticity, a claim brought forth by Priscilla Presley and Graceland executives.
What specific items are in question? Items such as a black grommet jacket, pieces of jewelry, and a 1962 Lockheed Jetstar plane have been questioned for their authenticity.
How did Graceland respond to the auction house’s claims? Graceland executives, backed by detailed records kept by Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, assert that many auctioned items are not genuine.
What role does Priscilla Presley play in this controversy? Priscilla is involved both as a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Brigitte Kruse and as a former endorser of the auctioned items’ authenticity.
How has Brigitte Kruse responded to the allegations? Kruse defends her practices, claiming it is unrealistic to believe that every item Elvis owned was documented and known.
What could this mean for the memorabilia market? The scandal may lead to increased scrutiny and changes in how memorabilia is authenticated and sold.
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