Elderly Protection in Real Estate Gains Momentum
The high-profile dispute between pop star Katy Perry and 86-year-old Carl Westcott has sparked calls for stronger protections for older Americans in real estate transactions. Advocates are now proposing legislation to safeguard seniors from potential exploitation.
Luxury Home, Legal Battle, and Millions at Stake
A luxury mansion, a beloved pop star, and an ailing veteran caught in a multimillion-dollar tug-of-war. Katy Perry and entrepreneur Carl Westcott remain locked in a legal battle over Perry’s Montecito home.
Court documents obtained by People magazine show that Perry filed a claim on November 21, 2025, seeking nearly $4.72 million. Meanwhile, Westcott insists Perry still owes him millions from the home’s original sale.
Katy Perry Demands Millions
Perry claims $4,718,698.95 in damages. She says she is entitled to $3,525,000 for lost rental value and $1,343,401.95 for necessary repairs. After a $149,703 offset for Westcott’s reported losses, she maintains she is owed just under $4.72 million.
Westcott Counters: $6 Million Still Due
Westcott’s legal team offers a different story. In a filing from November 7 in Los Angeles, they allege Perry has only paid $9 million of the $15 million purchase price. Factoring in repair costs, Westcott claims the adjusted balance totals approximately $5,740,418.18.
Perry and her then-partner, actor Orlando Bloom, purchased the sprawling 1930s Montecito estate in July 2020.
“Lacked Capacity”: Westcott Challenges the Sale
Shortly after the sale, Westcott—owner of 1-800-Flowers—tried to reverse the transaction. He argued that back surgery and heavy medication left him mentally incapacitated during the contract signing. At the time, he was also diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition.
In August 2020, Westcott filed a lawsuit against Perry’s business manager, Bernie Gudvi, starting a courtroom battle that escalated over the years.
Court Rules in Perry’s Favor
By the end of 2023, a judge ruled in Perry’s favor. The court found Westcott failed to provide convincing evidence that he lacked mental capacity. Perry’s team also noted that Westcott had a backup offer from Maria Shriver.
By then, Westcott’s health had declined sharply. He was bedridden and receiving 24-hour hospice care, while the emotional toll weighed heavily on his family.
Family Speaks Out
Westcott’s son called for an apology, emphasizing the human side of the dispute. His daughter-in-law shared emotional images of Westcott in hospice care on Instagram, highlighting the impact of Huntington’s disease.
In a heartfelt caption, she wrote: “While he was unable to fight for himself, we proudly fought for Carl and will continue to fight for the rights of those with Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive diseases. Let this be a reminder to show kindness, even in the face of injustice.”
The PERRY Act Emerges
The case has also inspired legislative action. Advocates propose the PERRY Act—Protecting Elderly Realty for Retirement Years Act—to prevent similar disputes.
The proposed law would create a 72-hour “cooling-off” period in residential sales involving anyone over 75. During this window, either party could cancel the sale without penalties, providing time to reconsider major financial decisions.
Similar laws exist in states like New Jersey, where contracts can be rescinded shortly after execution.
Broader Implications
Whether intentional or not, the Katy Perry–Westcott dispute has sparked wider dialogue about protecting seniors. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding dignity, autonomy, and fairness for aging Americans—especially in high-stakes financial dealings.
