What we know about 85-year-old disabled veteran ordered to pay $1.8 million to Katy Perry
The long-fought legal battle has finally come to an end in Katy's favour
Katy Perry has been locked in a long-term legal battle since 2020 over a mansion worth $15 million.
Five years ago, along with with her ex Orlando Bloom, the singer purchased the property in 2020 from disabled war veteran Carl Westcott, who tried to back out of the sale just days after the deal was done.
He claimed he was 'incapacitated' due to painkillers he was taking for a brain condition and alleged he wasn't liable to go through with the sale, in turn filing a lawsuit against Perry's business manager, Bernie Gudvi.
In May this year, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Joseph Lipner ruled in Katy's favour, believing there was no 'persuasive evidence that Westcott lacked capacity to enter into a real estate contract' and that he appeared to be 'coherent, engaged, lucid and rational'.
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Following the win for Perry, both parties went on to file damages in August of this year and the decision from that hearing led to the singer being awarded $1,842,142.84.
Perry's legal team went on to claim she lost a significant amount in rental value due to the drawn-out nature of the case, and that Westcott had allowed the property to fall into disrepair.
The Montecito home is spread over some 2.5 acres of land, and features eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms in the main house, as well as a three-bedroom guest house, one-bedroom pool house, gym building, a pool, and an equipment building.
Perry's team claimed there was a fallen tree on the property, which landed on a building and cracked the foundations, as well as flood damage from a 'substantial' leak.
Who is Carl Westcott?
Westcott is an 86-year-old Texan millionaire, and is the father-in-law of Real Housewives of Dallas cast member Kameron Westcott.
His legal team alleged he was suffering from a degenerative brain disease and showing signs of dementia, as well as symptoms of post-operative delirium in addition to taking strong painkillers due to back surgery when the paperwork was done.
They claimed he was incapacitated due to the painkillers and his various medical conditions and was not in a position to agree to the contract.
Kameron Westcott said of her father-in-law: “My dad has been bedridden for almost two years now. He’s fading very much, and we’re toward the end for sure."
Perry's team disputed claims that she was 'taking homes from the elderly', as they argued that Westcott had only purchased the home six weeks before agreeing to sell it to Perry.
According to the New York Post, Westcott served in the US Army with the 101st Airborne Division,
How much has Katy Perry been awarded?
Perry originally sought $4.7 million in damages, however the figure she's been awarded is $1,842,142.84.
Westcott argued she should only be awarded $260,000, however, the judge ruled the 'Roar' singer should be given $1.8 million instead.
Perry's legal team said in a statement to Rolling Stone: “This proposed decision is crystal clear — the judge has concluded that Mr. Westcott was in full possession of his faculties when he engaged in complex negotiations with multiple parties to finalise the lucrative sale of the property, which ultimately brought him a substantial profit.
“The evidence overwhelmingly shows that Mr. Westcott breached the contract simply because he changed his mind. We eagerly anticipate resolving this matter during the scheduled damage trial phase set for February 13 and 14, if not sooner."
What has Carl Westcott's family said?
The veteran's family hit out at Perry, calling her answers in court 'a bit calculated and ingratiating'.
Carl's son Court said: "But I wasn’t surprised by that as well. I expected that. Just disingenuous."
Back in August, before the judgement was given, he told the press: "I’m feeling really good about where we stand. It’s truly a blessing to be able to defend my father, who has been unable to defend himself while he’s now on his deathbed.
"You know, this has been a five-year, horrible, horrible experience for my family and for my father.
"Bottom line, just because you can carry a tune doesn’t mean you deserve the applause."
Another of his sons, called Chart, told the New York Post Perry seemed 'sort of rehearsed, like a robot'.
He claimed: "Then she appears in pyjamas before the judge. So, you know, just disrespectful. I think [it’s] reflective of how she views everyone in the world. They are all, you know, less than her. They’re all not important to her. We’re all just her little playthings to do what she wants."
What are Katy Perry and Carl Westcott's net worths?
Katy Perry is rumoured to be worth around $360 million.
Carl Westcott is reported to have net worth of $28 million.
Topics: Celebrity, Katy Perry, Money, Home, US News
Jen Thomas