Katy Perry has been awarded a total of $1.8 million in damages over lost rental income, stemming from an ongoing dispute over a Montecito, California, home that its previous owner, Carl Westcott, attempted to repossess. The "Hot N Cold" singer, now 41, and her ex-fiancé Orlando Bloom purchased the $15 million property from Westcott in August 2020. However, days later, Westcott attempted to rescind the deal, citing his mental incapacity due to a genetic brain disorder known as Huntington's Disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2015.
Perry, who gained ownership of the property in May 2024, has been embroiled in a years-long legal battle with the owner of 1-800-Flowers after he sought to revoke the sale of the property and filed suit against Perry's business manager, Bernie Gudvi. A judge ruled that there was no "persuasive evidence" to back Westcott's claims and that he appeared "coherent, engaged, lucid, and rational."
More recently, Perry had requested nearly $5 million in damages, claiming that $3,525,000 in rental value was lost during the dispute, in addition to $1,343,401.95 for "necessary repairs," according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. On Tuesday, November 25th, Judge Joseph Lipner of the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County determined that Perry is owed a total of $1,842,142.84.
The amount includes $2,795,000 for the rental value of the property during the delayed closing (from the date of the sale in September 2020 through the stipulated cutoff date of March 31st, 2024), minus the value of retained capital ($1,062,736) and Westcott's lost interest ($149,703.00). The judge also limited the cost of repairs during the delay period to $259,581.84, the exact amount Westcott had previously proposed.
The judge pointed out that concerning the $15 million sale, Gudvi had paid Westcott $9 million and retained $6 million of the purchase price. Gudvi can now deduct the $1.8 million from the remaining $6 million. Gudvi is also responsible for preparing the judgment, and a hearing for him to challenge the judgment is scheduled for December 30th.
Perry and Bloom initially purchased the Montecito estate for their family, including their 5-year-old daughter Daisy Dove. Boasting eight bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, the estate spreads across 2.5 acres and also features a three-bedroom guesthouse with a view of the ocean. An infinity pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor fireplace round out the home's amenities. It's unclear if Perry and Bloom moved into the home after gaining access in May 2024. Sources previously told PEOPLE that Bloom and Perry began renting out the property in February.
The Grammy-nominated singer is currently on her Lifetimes Tour and is set to perform at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai on Wednesday, November 26th.
