Elvis Presley was found dead at his home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977, aged just 42-years-old. At the time, his cause of death was determined to be a cardiac arrest after months of abusing prescription drugs and overeating.
But a 2022 docuseries titled Elvis’ Women showed the King’s stepbrother, David Stanley, telling cameras that the star actually “killed himself” because of the “guilt” he felt about his love life. David, who is the son of Vernon Presley’s second wife, claimed Elvis was “tormented by guilt over his young lovers”, as he enjoyed the company of young 15 and 16-year-old girls over women his own age.
Now, David has backtracked on his social media accounts, where he has asked for forgiveness for his comments. David wrote on his Instagram on Monday, June 26: “To all the Elvis Fans and associates that follow me here in Facebook and beyond [sic]. I am sorry for the derogatory comments I made in a documentary about Elvis that was filmed last year.”
He added there is “no excuse” for his comments. “I can fully understand why you would be angered,” he went on. “I love and will always love Elvis and being part of his family.” David went on to confirm that Elvis “loved” his fans. “He is more than worthy of the love you have for him,” David continued. “I love you and all I can ask of you is for you to forgive me for my irresponsible actions.”
At the time, David said in the documentary Elvis’ taste in young girls “made him sick”. “I told him that it’s a miracle he didn’t get busted,” he went on. “He got away with things most people didn’t, because of his money, fortune, fame and power, charisma and magnetism. Elvis could talk the socks off you.”
Elvis first met his soon-to-be wife Priscilla Presley in Germany when she was just 14-years-old. He was 24 at the time. Just a couple of years later he brought her over to the USA so they could be together. David also claimed: “He premeditated taking the medications that killed him. Love, hurt, pain, exposure — he just couldn’t take it any more.”