Katy Perry is set to take the stand next week.
The pop star is expected to testify on Tuesday, August 26, coinciding with her daughter Daisy’s birthday, in what has become a lengthy legal dispute with Carl Westcott.
This trial focuses on a $1.5 million home Perry, now 40, bought from the 85-year-old Westcott back in 2020. The proceedings started in a Los Angeles courtroom, where Judge Joseph Lipner denied Perry’s request to testify on the opening day.
Her attorney provided an update around 11am on Tuesday, noting her availability for testimony, which had to be rescheduled.
Interestingly, the “I Kissed A Girl” singer is currently on tour but has arranged to be present for her daughter’s special day.
Perry and her ex-fiancé, Orlando Bloom, welcomed Daisy in 2020.
According to insiders, Westcott’s legal team was unaware of the plan for Perry to testify until late Wednesday, and Judge Lipner seemed less than thrilled about it. He expressed frustration in court, stating, “That’s outrageous, that’s not good, that’s unfair.”
Perry’s lawyer, Eric Lowen, accused Westcott’s attorney of bias and creating a media spectacle, mentioning that the singer’s testimony should take no more than two hours.
The dispute originated five years ago when Perry purchased a $15 million property in Montecito, California, from Westcott.
Shortly after the sale, Westcott attempted to backtrack on the contract, claiming he was not in the right frame of mind due to painkillers prescribed after recent surgery. However, during the initial phase of the trial, the judge determined Westcott did not provide sufficient evidence to support his claims about his mental state during the sale.
The judge noted that Westcott appeared coherent and rational based on the evidence presented. In December 2023, he ruled that Perry was the rightful owner of the property.
Perry then countered with a claim for $3.25 million in damages, alleging Westcott prevented her from renting the home from September 2020 to March 2024.
Since then, actors Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger have reportedly been renting the residence.
Perry also sought an additional $2.2 million for alleged repairs, citing structural problems and deferred maintenance that needed to be addressed.
The ongoing phase of the trial revolves around the damages Perry claims are owed to Westcott.
Cameron Westcott, who was part of “The Real Housewives of Dallas,” and his family were present in court to discuss his father’s deteriorating health.
Cameron shared that Carl Westcott has been bedridden for nearly four years and his condition is declining. He has intentionally kept the trial discussions away from his father to lessen his stress. Cameron expressed a desire for Perry to apologize for the burden placed on the Westcott family due to the trial.
“Apologies would be good. It would tie the ribbon all over,” he noted, but added that he wasn’t expecting it.
Perry and Bloom’s engagement ended in June, but they stated their primary focus remains on raising their daughter together, shifting their relationship dynamics while continuing to support one another.
