Katy Perry Testifies via Zoom in Montecito Mansion Legal Battle
Pop superstar Katy Perry appeared virtually in court on Tuesday, August 26, taking the stand via Zoom in the ongoing legal dispute over her 2020 purchase of a 1930s Montecito, California, mansion.
The “Dark Horse” singer and her then-partner, actor Orlando Bloom, bought the $15 million property from entrepreneur Carl Westcott. Westcott later attempted to cancel the deal, claiming he was not mentally capable of signing the contract after being diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease, a genetic brain disorder, in 2015.
Westcott initially filed a lawsuit in August 2020 against Perry’s manager, Bernie Gudvi. After a prolonged legal battle, Perry secured ownership of the Santa Barbara County estate last May through her LLC, DDoveB. The judge ruled that Westcott had presented “no persuasive evidence” that he lacked the capacity to enter the real estate contract.
Now, as the case has moved into its next phase, Perry is pursuing over $5 million in damages, including $3 million for lost rental income.
During her virtual testimony, Westcott’s attorney, Andrew J. Thomas, asked Perry what she hoped to gain from the trial. She replied simply, “Justice.” When pressed about money, she clarified, “I stand to lose money if it doesn’t work in my favour,” elaborating that her financial stake includes potential losses, legal fees, and lost rental income.
Meanwhile, Perry and Bloom, who share five-year-old daughter Daisy Dove, ended their six-year engagement last month.
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