Katy Perry has secured a $1.8 million (₤1.36 million) damages award in her long-running legal battle over a luxury Montecito home that an elderly seller attempted to reclaim shortly after the sale.
How the Dispute Began
Perry and her former fiancé, actor Orlando Bloom, purchased the $15 million (₤11.3 million) estate from Carl Westcott, an 85-year-old entrepreneur and army veteran, in August 2020.
Just days after the sale, Westcott — who was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease in 2015 — tried to reverse the deal, arguing that he lacked the mental capacity to understand the contract at the time of signing.
Court Rejects Mental Incapacity Claim
After years of litigation, the judge ruled that there was no persuasive evidence that Westcott was incapable when the agreement was made. Instead, he was described as:
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“Coherent”
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“Engaged”
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“Lucid”
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“Rational”
This ruling confirmed Perry’s legal ownership of the home in May 2024.
The Damages Award
Perry later sought almost $5 million in damages, including:
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$3.5 million in alleged lost rental value
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$1.34 million in claimed necessary repairs
However, on Tuesday, Judge Joseph Lipner of the Los Angeles County Superior Court determined she is entitled to $1,842,142.84 (₤1,389,454.66) in total damages.
About the Property
The Montecito estate spans eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and was purchased as a family home. It remains unclear whether Katy Perry or Bloom ever moved in after gaining access.
Where They Are Now
Perry has reportedly moved on romantically with former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. She is currently performing her Lifetimes Tour stop in Shanghai. Wilson son, Court Westcott, is married to Kameron Westcott, known from The Real Housewives of Dallas.
The ruling marks a significant victory for Katy Perry in a dispute that has spanned nearly four years.
