Katy Perry sues 85-year-old veteran for nearly $5 million in Montecito mansion dispute

Pop star Katy Perry has filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $5 million in damages from Carl Westcott, the 85-year-old former owner of a $15 million mansion in Montecito, California.

The legal battle stems from a real estate transaction that has been ongoing for several years.

The dispute began in 2020, when Westcott sold the eight-bedroom estate to Perry. Shortly afterward, he attempted to cancel the deal, claiming he lacked the mental capacity to agree to the sale because he was recovering from back surgery and taking strong pain medication.

A court previously ruled in Perry’s favor, stating that Westcott had shown no convincing evidence of incapacity at the time of the sale.

Judges noted that he had conducted other real estate transactions during the same period and demonstrated sufficient understanding in his communications and actions, validating the purchase as legally binding.

Perry’s lawsuit now seeks approximately $3.5 million in lost rental income and $1.3 million for maintenance and repairs, totaling roughly $4.7 million.

Westcott’s legal team disputes the claim, arguing that Perry still owes money from the original purchase and, after calculations, that she could owe close to $5.7 million.

The case has drawn attention because of the large sums involved and Westcott’s age and declining health.

Reports indicate he suffers from a serious degenerative condition and is currently in hospice care.

While Perry is recognized as the legal owner of the property, the court has yet to rule on the damages she claims, leaving the dispute ongoing.