Katy Perry is facing serious legal claims from the family of Carl Westcott, an 85-year-old man, over a Montecito mansion. In a heated dispute, the pop star has labeled the case a “media circus” and is defending the role of her fiancé, actor Orlando Bloom, against growing public scrutiny. Here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing saga.
Background of the Dispute
In 2020, Perry agreed to purchase Westcott’s 9,000-square-foot mansion for a substantial sum of $11.25 million. However, after the deal was signed, Westcott, who was dealing with Huntington’s disease, attempted to cancel the sale, claiming that he had been under the influence of painkillers at the time. A court later upheld the contract, officially naming Perry as the legal owner in 2023.
Despite owning the mansion, the legal drama did not end there. Westcott’s family, including his sons Chart and Court Westcott, are now contesting a $6 million claim from Perry for damages and lost rental income. The family disputes these claims, with a source describing the damages as “absolutely egregious.”
Orlando Bloom’s Role
The legal battle took a new turn in October 2024 when Westcott’s family filed a subpoena, seeking testimony from Orlando Bloom during the damages phase of the trial, which is set for February 25, 2025. The family argues that Bloom managed the property after the sale, an assertion Perry’s legal team disputes.
Perry’s lawyers have firmly rejected the request, accusing Westcott’s family of using Bloom’s testimony to draw unnecessary media attention to the case. In court documents, Perry’s team argued that Bloom has no relevant information about the property or the sale agreement and that the focus should instead be on expert testimony from contractors.
Perry’s legal team stated, “The ulterior motive of the subpoena to Mr. Bloom is self-evident: Westcott wants to continue turning the case into a media circus.”
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Legal Arguments
Perry’s team further stressed that Bloom had no involvement in the sale of the mansion or any decisions related to the damages claims. They also pointed out that involving him in the case would only serve to distract from the relevant facts.
“It was one thing to seek testimony from Perry despite her limited knowledge of relevant facts; it is another to involve Mr. Bloom, who has no demonstrated knowledge of any relevant facts,” Perry’s lawyers stated. They have requested that the court quash the subpoena or exclude Bloom’s testimony altogether.
The Family’s Claims
Westcott’s family remains adamant that Perry is overreaching in her legal demands. A family friend spoke out against the damages claim, saying, “It’s apparent she’s trying to squeeze every last dollar out of Carl’s family without empathy at the expense of an elderly man’s legacy.”
The emotional toll on the family has been significant, with the legal battle dragging on during Westcott’s final days in hospice care. The family’s frustration with the prolonged litigation is evident, as they prepare to attend the trial in person.
Public and Media Reaction
The ongoing saga has drawn widespread media attention, with many questioning Perry’s actions in the wake of Westcott’s deteriorating health. Some critics have argued that the singer should have shown more compassion toward an elderly man battling a terminal illness. Meanwhile, Perry’s defense insists that she is merely seeking compensation for the damages caused to her property, which they claim includes costly repairs and lost rental income.
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As the trial approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom for the damages phase, which could see significant developments in this high-profile case. The involvement of Orlando Bloom remains a controversial issue, with both parties continuing to argue whether his testimony is relevant to the case.
For more updates on Katy Perry’s legal battle, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
Source: DailyMail
