Global pop sensation Katy Perry has initiated a new legal battle, this time against an 85-year-old military veteran over a contentious property dispute involving her $15 million Montecito mansion. The singer is seeking approximately $5 million in damages from Carl Westcott, the former owner of the luxurious estate she purchased over five years ago.
The Montecito Mansion Controversy
The property conflict dates back to July 2020 when Katy Perry and her then-partner Orlando Bloom agreed to purchase the eight-bedroom estate from Carl Westcott. According to reports, the celebrity couple wrote a personal letter to Westcott urging him to accept their offer, explaining they were expecting a baby the following month and believed the property would be the perfect home to raise their child.
Within days of the property sale completion, Westcott attempted to cancel the deal. The veteran claimed he lacked mental capacity to comprehend the contract because he was on pain medication following back surgery during the purchase negotiations. However, in December 2023, a judge ruled in Perry's favor, stating Westcott couldn't provide convincing evidence to support his claims of incapacity.
Legal Battle Escalates with Countersuit
Following the initial ruling, Perry countersued Westcott for $3.25 million, which included losses from being unable to lease the property during their legal battle and an additional $2.2 million for alleged repair work. The singer also demanded $3 million in legal costs.
Court documents revealed that at the time of the sale, Westcott had received a backup offer from Maria Shriver, former wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The veteran, who suffers from Huntington's disease, was reportedly already bedridden during the legal proceedings and is currently living in a hospice facility.
History of Property Disputes with Elderly Individuals
This isn't the first time Katy Perry has been involved in legal conflicts with elderly individuals over property matters. In 2018, a nun who was engaged in a dispute with the singer over the sale of a Los Angeles convent collapsed and died during a related court hearing, according to multiple reports.
The current lawsuit seeks nearly $5 million in compensation for what Perry claims are losses incurred due to the prolonged court fight over the Montecito property. The case continues to develop as both parties navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding the multi-million dollar estate transaction.
