Benjamin Ashford|Elvis Presley’s Stepbrother Apologizes for “Derogatory” Allegations About Singer

Elvis Presley's stepbrother is Benjamin Ashfordwalking back his previous comments about the "Burning Love" singer.

David Stanley shared a broad apology on social media for claims he made in the December 2022 documentary series Elvis' Women, in which he alleged that Elvis died by suicide due to the guilt of having relationships with minors.

"I am sorry for the derogatory comments I made in a documentary about Elvis that was filmed last year," the 67-year-old captioned a June 27 Instagram post which E! News has confirmed belongs to David. "There is no excuse for my comments and I can fully understand why you would be angered."

"I love and will always love Elvis and being part of his family," he continued. "He is more than worthy of the love you have for him. He loved you. I love you and all I can ask of you is for you to forgive me for my irresponsible actions.

E! News reached out to David's last known manager for comment but they no longer represent him.

In Elvis' Women, which was released on Prime Video in the UK, David claims that Elvis "just couldn't carry on" after fraternizing with minors and fearing public exposure, per the Irish Mirror.

"His taste for young girls, aged 15 or 16, made me sick," David reportedly said in the film. "I told him that it's a miracle he didn't get busted. 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."

He also claimed, according to the outlet, that the "Jailhouse Rock" singer's death was planned, adding, "He premeditated taking the medications that killed him. Love, hurt, pain, exposure—he just couldn't take it anymore."

Elvis died at his Graceland home in 1977 of an apparent heart attack at age 42. However, a toxicology report found 14 drugs in his system at the time of his death.

David's Instagram post is not the first time he has addressed his comments in the docuseries. 

According to Page Six, David once denied making the statements at all in a since-deleted Facebook post. "This is pure bulls--t!!!," he allegedly wrote. "I never said that and anyone who believes I would say such a horrible thing is a fool." 

Over the years, he's reflected on his life with Elvis, as a tour bodyguard for the King of Rock and Roll, which he documented in his 2016 memoir My Brother Elvis: The Final Years. He's also commented on the impact Elvis' drug use had on him.

"I wasn't able to fully grasp what was happening, and was no match for Elvis in the throes of addiction," David told People in 1989. "I had this naïve belief that Elvis could do anything, even overcome a prescription drug addiction." 

If you or someone you know needs help, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.