Michael Edwards denied allegations of sexually assaulting Lisa Marie Presley during his relationship with her mother, Priscilla Presley in the 1980s. He stated that the claims were untrue and that he never molested Lisa Marie. Edwards admitted to embellishing stories for his memoir in the past but maintained that the allegations were fabrications.
During their seven-year relationship, Lisa Marie alleged in her posthumous memoir that Edwards first assaulted her when she was 10 years old, claiming he had a horrible temper and would touch her inappropriately. She described an incident where he apologized for his actions, attributing them to cultural differences. Lisa Marie also claimed that he continued to touch her inappropriately, leading to a troubling dynamic in their relationship.
Priscilla Presley has not publicly addressed the allegations, and Edwards’ daughter, Caroline Van Zandt, also denied the claims, stating that Lisa Marie never insinuated any inappropriate behavior by her father. She emphasized Priscilla’s fierce protectiveness of her family and expressed disappointment at the accusations being made. Lisa Marie’s memoir was released posthumously, finished by her eldest daughter Riley Keough, nearly a year after her death at age 53.
Riley Keough expressed pride in her mother’s honesty and intention to tell a human story through her autobiography. She was grateful for the opportunity to finish the work on her mother’s behalf and connect with people through the story. Lisa Marie is survived by her mother, Priscilla, and her three daughters, including Riley and twins Harper and Finley. She shared her eldest children with ex Danny Keough and her twins with ex-husband Michael Lockwood.
The release of Lisa Marie’s memoir shed light on the alleged assaults, sparking conversations about sexual assault and protecting survivors. Resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline were provided for those affected by sexual assault, offering support and guidance to those in need. The allegations against Michael Edwards and the discussion around them emphasized the importance of believing survivors and providing a safe space for them to share their experiences.
