On Aug. 26, Katy Perry testified via Zoom in Los Angeles County Superior Court over a long-running high-profile real estate dispute involving a Santa Barbara estate, Bloomberg reported. Perry is wrapped up in a $15 million mansion war with the home’s former owner, 85-year-old U.S. veteran Carl Westcott.
The pop star addressed questions about her role in the transaction and whether she had any direct legal interest in the property.
Who Bought the Home
Perry, 40, is in the middle of her Lifetimes Tour, but she says she’s also fighting to protect her reputation after being pulled into the real estate drama as its public face, according to Realtor.com. Perry has been pegged by Westcott’s family as the “Wicked Witch,” according to The New York Post, for allegedly manuevering Westcott out of his home.
As Finurah previously reported, Perry was initially reported to have purchased the Montecito mansion from Westcott, who later tried to undo the sale, claiming he lacked the mental capacity to agree because of health issues and medication for Huntington’s disease.
Perry has filed a countersuit seeking financial damages, pursuing “justice” in the form of compensation for property repairs and lost rental income after being accused by the previous owner of wrongfully taking his house.
However, new testimony in what a the bench trial of the penalty phase of her suit reveals that her former partner, Orlando Bloom, was the actual one behind the purchase.
The couple acquired the estate — 2.5 acres with eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a guesthouse, an infinity pool, and ocean views — in 2020 for somewhere between $11 million and $15 million.
In November 2023, Judge Joseph Lipner ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to void the transaction, finalizing the now-former-couple’s ownership the following month.
The couple officially took possession of the property in spring 2024.
According to TMZ, Perry wasn’t directly responsible for Westcott’s loss. Instead, Bloom purchased the property through an LLC named after their daughter, with the deed recorded under that LLC in May 2024.
The same LLC later secured a $4.95 million loan against the mansion from City National Bank. During cross-examination, questions arose over whether Perry herself had any legal stake in the property.
Perry and Bloom split in July 2024 after nine years together.
People magazine reports that Perry is now seeking $6 million in damages: $3.25 million for lost rental income and $2 million to $2.2 million for property repairs.
Her countersuit argues she should be compensated for the financial hit tied to deferred maintenance, structural problems, and the inability to rent the estate during prolonged litigation.
Interestingly, actor Chris Pratt and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger are renting the same 9,285-square-foot mansion while awaiting the completion of their new Brentwood home.
They could also be called to testify if the Los Angeles court deems it necessary.
Wishing you happiness every day.