Riley Keough Alleges Fraud in Graceland’s Foreclosure Sale and Is in Legal Fight for the Estate
MEMPHIS, TN — Actress Riley Keough, the granddaughter of rock ‘n’ roll icon Elvis Presley, has taken legal action to halt the controversial foreclosure sale of Graceland, claiming that the attempted transaction is fraudulent and part of a broader scheme to defraud the Presley estate.
Court documents filed this week in Shelby County, Tennessee, show that Keough, 35, who became the sole trustee of the Presley estate following the death of her mother Lisa Marie Presley in 2023, is challenging a purported $3.8 million loan default that allegedly triggered the foreclosure proceedings.
According to Keough’s legal team, the firm initiating the sale—Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC—claims Lisa Marie Presley used Graceland as collateral for a loan in 2018. Keough argues not only that the loan was never taken but that the documents presented to justify the sale were “forged” and “fraudulent.”
“The entire transaction is based on fabricated documents. Lisa Marie Presley never borrowed money from this entity, and no lien or mortgage against Graceland was ever authorized,” Keough’s attorneys stated in the injunction request.
Graceland, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is a national historic landmark, has remained in the Presley family since Elvis’s death in 1977. Keough inherited the estate and its controlling interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises following her mother’s passing and subsequent legal settlements.
A Disputed Loan and Forged Documents
The lawsuit focuses on a supposed promissory note and deed of trust from 2018—documents which Keough’s team contends were forged to make it appear as if Lisa Marie had pledged Graceland as security for the multimillion-dollar loan.
“These documents were not signed by Lisa Marie Presley,” reads the court filing. “There is no record of this transaction in public registries, and no funds were ever disbursed or received.”
Experts in handwriting and document authentication have reportedly been retained to examine the evidence, with preliminary findings suggesting discrepancies in signatures and metadata that could support Keough’s fraud claims.
Temporary Halt to the Foreclosure
In response to the filings, a Tennessee judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the foreclosure auction, which had been scheduled for later this month. A hearing is expected in the coming days to determine whether the sale can proceed or if a full investigation into the alleged fraud will be launched.
The legal drama has sent ripples through both the Presley fanbase and the broader public, with many expressing outrage and concern that the legacy of one of America’s most iconic musicians could be compromised by what appears to be a dubious financial maneuver.
Preserving Elvis’s Legacy
Riley Keough, a Golden Globe-nominated actress and model, has been a vocal steward of the Presley family’s legacy in the years following her mother’s passing. She has emphasized her commitment to keeping Graceland both a sacred family space and a place of cultural importance.
“Graceland is not just a home. It’s a symbol of everything Elvis stood for—music, hope, and American history,” Keough said in a previous interview. “I will protect it with everything I have.”
What’s Next?
The legal fight could drag on for months, particularly if criminal fraud or identity theft charges are filed in relation to the forged documents. Meanwhile, Keough’s team is seeking a permanent injunction to nullify the foreclosure attempt entirely.
Legal analysts say the case highlights the need for more oversight in private lending, especially when significant historical assets are involved. If the fraud allegations are substantiated, it could set a precedent for how estates of iconic figures are protected in future generations.
For now, Graceland remains safe under Riley Keough’s watch—but the battle for its legacy is far from over.