Elvis Presley‘s estate is suing an auction firm for selling the singer’s “irreplaceable” artifacts.
Presley died nearly 50 years ago, but his legacy has left many fans eager to own his paraphernalia. Elvis Presley Enterprises said it made “clear and repeated demands” that GWS Auctions, a firm that has previously sold Presley’s things without problems, return the items. Instead, it was “ignored.”
“It is now clear that some of the material that the parties to the Parker Acquisition intended to be transferred to [EPE], never was,” says the lawsuit.
However, GWS Auctions confirmed that no police report had been made in regard to these “irreplaceable” items, such as signed contracts and telegrams.
“EPE and Graceland’s assertions are unfounded and without merit. This is merely another attempt to discredit our founder and the company. Under no circumstances would we engage in the sale of ‘stolen’ items, and this collection was sought after by auction houses globally,” said Brigitte Kruse, GWS Auction co-founder. “The items in question successfully passed our auction house’s due diligence process and were subsequently offered for public sale. Furthermore, no police report has ever been filed by EPE/Graceland, and the owner has possessed this collection for several decades.”
EPE said it bought the items from their original owner, the late Col. Tom Parker, Presley’s former manager. According to the estate, the purchase happened 30 years ago.
Items associated with Presley remain on the website while bidding is closed. In 2021, the auctioneer sold a clump of Presley’s hair for over $72,000.
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Presley’s former home, Graceland, in Tennessee, was also nearly sold in foreclosure when Lisa Findley assumed a false identity that claimed association with the estate. Police have since arrested Findley and charged her with mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Her next court date is Jan. 15.
Jan. 8 would have been Presley’s 90th birthday. Graceland is hosting a three-day celebration to commemorate Presley, during which more of his artifacts will be on display for fans to view.