Katy Perry Faces Backlash for $5M Lawsuit Against 85-Year-Old Veteran

Katy Perry is in the headlines again over a legal battle involving an 85-year-old veteran. The pop star is suing Carl Westcott, a disabled and terminally ill former army serviceman, for $5 million over a property dispute in Montecito, California, according to NY Post.

The conflict dates back to 2020, when Perry and her ex Orlando Bloom bought an eight-bedroom estate from Westcott for $15 million. At the time, the couple, who were expecting a child, sent Westcott a note urging him to accept their offer, saying the home would be perfect for raising a family.

But soon after, Westcott tried to back out of the sale. He claimed he didn’t have the mental capacity to sign the contract, as he was on pain medication following back surgery.

In December 2023, a judge sided with Perry, ruling that Westcott had not provided convincing evidence that he was unable to consent to the deal. Perry’s lawyer also noted that Westcott had a backup offer from Maria Shriver, former wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

After the ruling, Perry countersued for $3.25 million, citing lost rental income during the court battle. She also sought $2.2 million for repairs to restore the home and $3 million in legal fees. By then, Westcott was bedridden and battling Huntington’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition, and was receiving hospice care.

Westcott’s son, Court, spoke about the emotional strain the case has caused. “An apology would be welcome,” he said.

Now, Perry is seeking nearly $5 million for damages she says resulted from the extended litigation over the property sale. PR strategist Abesi Manyando told The Telegraph, “The optics of a millionaire pop star demanding hefty damages from a very ill man are terrible. This isn’t just a lawsuit, it’s now a David and Goliath narrative – a global superstar with wealth, legal resources and leverage versus an elderly, declining veteran who already lost his home. And that dynamic carries emotional weight.”

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