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Pop star Katy Perry has been labeled “entitled” by the family of 85-year-old veteran Carl Westcott after she took possession of his $15 million Montecito, California mansion.  The dispute, which began 4-years-ago, has now escalated with Perry seeking $6 million in damages for "lost rental value" and alleged "damage" to the home. https://usaherald.com/stalkers-in-womens-sports-a-growing-threat-to-athletes/

The Origin of the Controversy

In 2020, Perry struck a deal to buy Westcott’s Montecito home for $15 million. Days after the agreement, Westcott—who suffers from Huntington’s disease—attempted to back out, claiming he was under the influence of painkillers when he agreed to the sale. It is worth noting that Westcott's health has continued to decline, and he has been bedridden for the last 18-months. “The combination of his age, frailty from his back condition and recent surgery, and the opiates he was taking several times a day rendered Mr. Westcott of unsound mind,” Westcott’s lawyers stated in court documents. When he agreed to sell, Westcott had only owned the home for a few months. He purchased it in May 2020 for $11.25 million.  Reports suggest Perry outbid Maria Shriver for the property. It is unclear whether she intended to use the estate as a primary residence with her daughter, Daisy Dove, and partner Orlando Bloom.

Legal Battle and Court Ruling

Westcott was trying to back out after the contract was signed and Perry refused. This led to a prolonged legal battle. Perry's representatives argued that he was of sound mind when he agreed to the sale. They contended that Westcott’s change of heart stemmed from an inability to find a suitable alternative property in Montecito. After years of legal proceedings, a judge ruled in December 2023 in Perry’s favor, upholding the original sale contract.  Perry officially took possession of the 9,285-square-foot estate in May 2024. The mansion, built in the 1930s, includes eight bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, a tennis court, two guesthouses, and a pool.

Katy Perry Seeks Additional Damages

Despite winning the case, Perry has now filed a lawsuit seeking up to $6 million in damages from Westcott. She has paid only 9 million of the purchase price and is suing for what is still owed on the mansion. Her claim includes compensation for alleged damages, repairs, and lost rental income from the time of the real estate dispute.  Reports indicate that Perry hired a team of 25 experts to assess faults in the home. Westcott’s family has responded with outrage. In an interview with The Sun, Westcott’s son, Chart Westcott, called Perry’s actions “entitled celebrity behavior” and questioned her pursuit of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against a bedridden elderly man.