Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland is vandalised by BLM and DTP protesters

Even the legendary Elvis Presley isn’t safe from the political movements that have been hijacked by vandals and troublemakers.

Graceland, the estate of the famous singer, was attacked by vandals who were demonstrating in the Black Lives Matter and Defund the Police protests.

The Memphis estate, where Elvis Presley lived for two decades before his death on August 16, 1977, at age 42, was defaced with slogans from the movement.

“Abolish ICE”, “Defund MPD” and “F*** Trump” were stray painted onto the walls of the estate covering artwork and words from fans.

POPULAR: Presley’s Graceland home is now a popular museum. CREDIT: Wikipedia

Following Presley’s death, Graceland as its known, became an official museum dedicated to the ‘King’s’ life and was opened to the public in 1982, attracting around 600,000 visitors annually.

Workers at the popular museum found the graffiti early on the morning of Tuesday 1.

“This is totally uncalled for,” said Bill Stanley, who is Elvis’ stepbrother, “one of the saddest days of my life. I mean, besides the day that Elvis passed away, this right here is right up next to it.”

An alternative perspective on the vandalism was presented by Antonio Parkinson, the Democratic State Rep, stating, “What’s the real issue here? Every visitor that has come to Graceland has written on that wall and there were no complaints. So, really, it’s WHAT was written, not the fact that it was written.”

The instances of vandalism, which was not just limited to Graceland, were discovered on 901 Day, an unofficial celebration of Memphis culture that takes place on September 1 each year.

NO LET UP: Sixth defacing of famous venue this year. CREDIT: Max Gersh/The Commercial Appeal

Vandals also struck the Levitt Shell concert venue in Overton Park, the open-air amphitheater where Elvis gave his first paid concert on July 30, 1954.

‘F*** TRUMP” and ‘F*** STRICKLAND,’ a reference to Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, were stray painted on the walls and floor, in what is the sixth time its been defaced this year, with the cost of repainting the historic venue said to be around $150,000.

Memphis police are said to be investigating the vandalism.

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Written by

Matthew Roscoe

Originally from the UK, Matthew is based on the Costa Blanca and is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com.

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