Katy Perry and Carl Westcott’s legal battle over Perry’s Montecito mansion continues, with the dispute now costing millions more.
Pop star Katy Perry, 41, bought Carl Westcott’s Montecito, California, home in 2020 for $15 million (£11.4m). The property is in a star-studded neighborhood that includes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Oprah Winfrey.
However, what was expected to be a celebratory purchase quickly turned into a drawn-out legal dispute. Days after the sale, 85-year-old Westcott attempted to reverse the transaction, claiming he was incapacitated by painkillers when signing the paperwork, Metro UK reports.
Westcott, a US Army veteran, suffers from Huntington’s disease, a degenerative condition affecting movement, cognition, and mood. Just four days before signing the sale, he underwent a six-hour back surgery and was taking a cocktail of opioids and painkillers.
In May 2024, a judge sided with Perry, ruling that Westcott was of sound mind when the sale went through. The court stated there was “no persuasive evidence” he lacked the capacity to enter into the contract, and that the agreement must be upheld.
Latest Financial Ruling
Court documents obtained by PEOPLE show that Perry is now owed $1,842,142.84 (£1,393,831) for the delayed closing period. This amount reflects the rental value of the property minus Westcott’s retained capital and lost interest.
Perry’s request for repair costs was reduced as well. She initially claimed $1,343,401.95 (£1,019,629) for repairs, but the court awarded $259,581.84 (£196,480), the figure Westcott’s team had argued for.
Westcott’s Counterclaim
The legal battle became more complicated after Westcott sued Perry’s business manager, Bernie Gudvi, claiming Perry had only paid $9 million (£6.8m) of the purchase price, leaving $6 million (£4.6m) unpaid. The judge ruled that Gudvi did hold $6 million but can deduct the $1.8 million owed to Perry from that amount. Gudvi has the option to challenge this decision in a hearing on December 30.
Perry’s Damages Claim
In documents filed on November 21, Perry sought to hold Westcott accountable for lost rental income and repair costs, initially requesting $4,718,698.95 (£3,581,327). This figure included $3,525,000 (£2,675,440) in lost rental value and was adjusted to account for Westcott’s alleged damages of $149,703 (£113,617).
Tensions also extend to Westcott’s family, who reportedly felt Perry was trying to “squeeze every last dollar” from them. A family friend told the Daily Mail that the Westcotts wanted Perry to face them in court over the sale of their father’s home.
Perry testified via video call in August, stating she could “lose money if this does not work in [her] favour” but affirmed that she could also gain from the litigation, describing the outcome as “justice.”
From Friendly Start to Legal Feud
The relationship between Perry and Westcott began amicably. After the sale, Perry and her former partner Orlando Bloom sent Westcott a personal note thanking him for the home, intended as a family residence. At the time, they had no children but later welcomed daughter Daisy Dove.
Perry has since split from Bloom and is now dating former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The Montecito property spans 2.5 acres and features eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, making it one of the most coveted estates in the area.