Priscilla Presley’s son Navarone Garibaldi Garcia is defending his decision to crowdfund a new pizza business after critics questioned why someone from a famous family was asking the public for money.
People reported that Garcia launched a GoFundMe to raise $5,500 for an industrial pizza oven for NavaPizza, an affordable organic pizza business he wants to run from the driveway of his Los Angeles home.
Entertainment Weekly reported that the fundraiser quickly sparked backlash from people asking why he did not simply ask his mother for help.
Garcia said the business is a real attempt to start something of his own rather than a casual request for handouts.
Garcia Said He Is Paying Part of the Cost Himself
Garcia explained that the oven originally cost much more, but he negotiated the price down to $8,500. He said he already has $3,000 saved and is asking for help with the remaining amount.
He also said he has dough and sauces sourced and wants to use the oven to make organic pizza for people in his neighborhood. The business idea centers on selling from his driveway, where he said there is enough foot traffic to make the plan worth trying.
TMZ reported that Garcia is also open to a brick-and-mortar shop if the driveway version of the business works.
He Pushed Back at the “Ask Your Mom” Criticism
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Garcia is the son of Priscilla Presley and music producer Marco Garibaldi, and some commenters argued that he should ask his mother for money instead of turning to GoFundMe.
Garcia responded on Instagram by saying he has bills, a budget and his own financial limits. He said he is not asking anyone to donate if they cannot afford it and pushed back against the assumption that every idea he has should be funded by his mother.
Speaking to TMZ, Garcia said Presley “loves the idea” but added that he cannot ask her for money for every idea he has. He also said he believes she will eventually come by for a slice.
He Said the Fundraiser Is a Normal Startup Step
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Garcia argued that crowdfunding is a common way for small businesses to get started. He also said he has wanted to launch his own business for years, but marketing, advertising and the cost of a brick-and-mortar location have made it difficult.
To reward supporters, he offered free pizza to people who donate. People reported that he told followers he has a list of donors and that some people who contribute want an invitation to hang out and have pizza when they are in Los Angeles.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Garcia also defended his work history and independence, saying he has acted in films and toured in a rock band. He is a member of the Los Angeles-based band Them Guns, which released the single “Acid Plane” in 2024.