Pop superstar Katy Perry has secured a major legal victory after a five-year court battle over a luxury mansion in Montecito, California. A Los Angeles judge has awarded Perry $1.94 million (£1.44 million), bringing an end to a protracted dispute with Texas businessman Carl Westcott, the founder of 1-800-Flowers.
The ruling concludes years of litigation surrounding a $15 million (£11.1 million) real estate transaction that dates back to 2020. The judge determined that Westcott improperly attempted to back out of the sale and must now pay damages to Perry as a penalty for breaching the contract.
How the Legal Dispute Began
The case began in July 2020, when Perry signed a contract to purchase the sprawling Montecito estate from Westcott. At the time, the property was considered a prime piece of real estate in one of California’s most exclusive coastal communities, home to numerous celebrities and high-profile figures.
Just one month after signing the agreement, Westcott filed a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the sale. He claimed that he was under the influence of painkillers following recent back surgery, arguing that the medication impaired his mental capacity and prevented him from fully understanding the contract he had signed.
Court Rejects Claim of Mental Incapacity
Westcott’s claim became the central issue in the case and led to years of legal proceedings. In 2023, the court ruled against him, finding that he was mentally competent at the time of the sale.
As part of that ruling, the judge cited evidence showing that Westcott had rejected a lower offer from former California First Lady Maria Shriver just days before agreeing to sell the property to Perry—undermining his argument that he was unable to make sound decisions.
The court ultimately determined that the contract was legally binding and enforceable.
Why Katy Perry Was Awarded $1.94 Million
The most recent ruling focused on financial damages caused by the prolonged dispute. According to the court, Perry was entitled to compensation for lost rental income during the period when the mansion sat vacant due to the unresolved legal battle.
The judge calculated that Perry could reasonably have rented out the property for 43 months, had the litigation not prevented her from doing so.
“There is no reason to believe that this unique and attractive property would not rent for all 43 months,” the judge wrote in his opinion.
As a result, Westcott was ordered to deduct nearly $2 million from the agreed-upon purchase price as a penalty for improperly trying to withdraw from the deal.
End of a High-Profile Legal Saga
The ruling officially ends the litigation between Perry and Westcott, closing one of the most closely watched celebrity real estate disputes in recent years.
Legal experts note that the case underscores the importance of contractual certainty in high-value property transactions, particularly when buyers and sellers are public figures. The court’s decisions reaffirmed that claims of impaired consent must be supported by compelling evidence.
What the Ruling Means Going Forward
For Perry, the judgment brings closure after years of uncertainty tied to a property she contracted to buy but could not fully enjoy or monetize. For Westcott, it marks the conclusion of a costly legal gamble that ultimately failed in court.
The case is also expected to serve as a reference point in future disputes involving real estate contracts, capacity claims, and damages related to delayed possession.
Final Thoughts
After more than five years of litigation, the court’s decision decisively favors Katy Perry, awarding her nearly $2 million in damages and formally closing the Montecito mansion dispute. The ruling highlights the legal risks of attempting to exit binding contracts and reinforces the courts’ strict approach to claims of incapacity in high-stakes transactions.
