Navarone Garcia (39) isn't taking criticism of his crowdfunding campaign lying down. The son of Priscilla Presley (81) and music producer Marco Garibaldi has been raising money on the GoFundMe platform since July 10 for a professional pizza oven. His plan: to sell affordable organic pizzas to the neighborhood from the driveway of his home in Los Angeles. Online, he's receiving mainly one thing: mockery. In the comments under corresponding media reports, many users are wondering why the musician doesn't simply ask his wealthy mother for support.

Garcia has broken down the project's financing transparently. He was able to negotiate a used industrial oven down from $14,000 to $8,500. He wants to contribute $3,000 himself, with the remaining $5,500 to be raised through the donation campaign. Dough and sauces have already been organized. By July 13, around 80 supporters had donated nearly $3,800.

"Otherwise we'd both end up broke"

Why his mother, the ex-wife of Elvis Presley (1935-1977), isn't stepping in was explained by Garcia to the US outlet TMZ: While she thinks the idea is good, he can't ask her for money with every spontaneous notion. "Otherwise we'd both end up broke," said the 39-year-old. However, he's certain that Priscilla Presley will stop by his driveway and try a pizza.

Garcia also responded to the criticism on Instagram. He too has bills to pay and has to manage his budget, the musician explained. Because of his ADHD, he constantly has new ideas. If he were to fully finance each one himself, he'd be "broke in two days." At the same time, Garcia emphasized that no one should donate who can't afford it. In return, supporters will receive free pizza - in some cases even for life, provided they visit Los Angeles.

"My jobs are more fun than yours"

Garcia firmly disagreed with one user who called him "extremely privileged" and accused him of never having worked for anything in his life. After all, not every restaurant is financed by a single person; typically investors are involved. Moreover, he has appeared in several films and toured the USA with a rock band. "I'm sorry that my jobs are more fun than yours," he countered.

Garcia has been performing as singer and guitarist for the band Them Guns since 2012. Recently, however, things have been quieter regarding his music career. The reason: in the future, he wants to focus more on his pizza project. If sales from the driveway take off successfully, he could also envision having his own storefront later, according to TMZ. Once the first pizza comes out of the oven, it will show that the support was worth it.