In a decisive ruling that concludes a years-long legal saga, pop icon Katy Perry has emerged victorious in a high-stakes property dispute over a multi-million dollar Californian estate. The Los Angeles Superior Court has formally granted the singer and her fiancé, actor Orlando Bloom, full ownership rights to the lavish Montecito mansion they purchased back in 2020.
A Deal Contested
The legal battle was initiated by 84-year-old Carl Westcott, a veteran and former business owner, who sold the sprawling eight-bedroom property to Perry's business manager for $15 million (£11.8 million). Shortly after the sale was finalised, Westcott filed a lawsuit claiming he lacked the mental capacity to understand the contract due to his age and the influence of strong pain medication following major back surgery.
Westcott's legal team argued that their client was not of sound mind when he agreed to the sale and that the transaction should therefore be voided.
The Court's Final Judgment
After a thorough examination of the evidence, Judge Joseph Lipner delivered a final statement of decision, firmly siding with the celebrity couple. The judgment, issued on Tuesday, 17th December, orders Westcott to relinquish all claims to the property and clear the title, finally transferring it irrevocably to Perry and Bloom.
The court found that Westcott failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove his incapacity at the time of the sale. The ruling effectively ends any further challenge to the ownership of the luxurious home, which is located in an exclusive enclave near Santa Barbara.
A Look at the Lavish Property
The estate at the heart of the dispute is nothing short of spectacular. Situated in the celebrity-favoured town of Montecito—also home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—the property boasts nearly 10,000 square feet of living space, set on over two acres of land. It features amenities befitting its A-list owners, including extensive gardens, a grand swimming pool, and breathtaking mountain views.
The resolution of this case brings to a close a very public and contentious chapter, allowing Perry and Bloom to fully enjoy their Californian dream home without further legal impediment.
