'He loved being around Blacks': Priscilla Presley says Elvis was NOT racist
Actress Priscilla Presley has protected her late husband Elvis Presley against charges that he was racist. Presley's alleged prejudices have come into the spotlight in the wake of Baz Luhrmann-directed film 'Elvis'.
The movie, in which Austin Butler plays the lead character, depicts Presley as being profoundly affected by the civil rights struggle and Dr Martin Luther King Jr's passing, as well as his friendship with blues legend BB King.
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In an interview with 'Piers Morgan Uncensored' this week, Priscilla attempted to clear the air by claiming that Elvis was not a racist.
"He had never been a racist," the 77-year-old said, "He had friends, Black friends, friends from all over." She continued by revealing that while growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis had a strong affinity for Black culture. She revealed that Elvis loved their music and style and that he loved being around Black musicians. She also mentioned his lifelong associations with legendary Black figures like Fats Domino and Sammy Davis Jr.
"He loved, loved being around Blacks and loved being around anyone, actually. He was not prejudiced in any way. He was not racist in any way," Priscilla said.
On being asked by Morgan about how Elvis would have dealt with this mentality that people have grown into, she said, "He wouldn't believe it. I don't believe it. I don't think any of us believe in what's going on right now. We've never been through anything like this, and it's pretty much global. Us as a country, it's baffling. It's truly baffling. For the first time I'm worried about my future, and my children and grandchildren as well. It's very unpredictable and Elvis would probably go to the president, like he did with Nixon, put his foot down, and ask, 'What's going on?'"
Prior to 'Elvis' premiere on June 24, Priscilla, her daughter Lisa Marie Presley, and Elvis's granddaughter, actress Riley Keough, all expressed support for the biopic.
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In fact, Priscilla and Lisa Marie both admitted that they cried while witnessing Butler embody Elvis and his various traits, including the way he talked, moved, and even his anger. The movie had earned $190.7 million globally as of July 20 after earning $110.9 million in the United States and Canada and $79.8 million in other countries.