Priscilla Presley has refuted claims that she engaged in any s–ual activities with Elvis Presley when they first crossed paths at the tender age of 14.
Elvis, a music legend, was 24 years old when he encountered his future wife in Germany back in 1959.
The duo eventually tied the knot seven years later in 1967, with Priscilla being 21 at the time.
During a press event at the Venice Film Festival to introduce Sofia Coppola's latest biopic, Priscilla, which delves into their romantic journey, Priscilla Presley disclosed that Elvis never exploited her, despite the decade-wide age difference at their initial meeting.
Reflecting on their early days, she shared, “It was quite a challenge for my parents to grasp Elvis's profound interest in me and the reasons behind it.
I believe it stemmed from my attentive nature.”
She further expressed, “Elvis confided in me extensively during our time in Germany – sharing his fears, aspirations, and the everlasting grief of losing his mother, a loss he never recovered from.
I was there as a listening ear and a source of solace.
That was the core of our bond.”
Priscilla elaborated, “Though I was merely 14, my emotional maturity exceeded my years.
That was the magnetic pull.
People assume it was driven by physical desire.
That wasn't the case.
I never engaged in any intimate acts with him.
He was gentle, caring, and always respected my young age.
Our connection was based on shared ideologies rather than physical intimacy.”
She revealed that she kept their relationship discreet during her school days, emphasizing, “I never divulged our involvement to anyone, a fact that he valued immensely.
We nurtured our bond until circumstances led to our parting ways.
It wasn't due to lack of affection – he was my true love.
The challenging lifestyle was the obstacle.”
The iconic couple went their separate ways in 1972 and finalized their divorce the following year.
NME's review of Priscilla awarded the biopic four stars, commending Sofia Coppola for portraying the gritty facets of the rock and roll pioneer's life.
Derived from Priscilla's 1985 memoir, “Elvis And Me,” the film features Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis.
Its UK premiere is scheduled for October 9 at the BFI London Film Festival, followed by a widespread theatrical release on January 1, 2024.