A Santa Barbara judge has ordered Katy Perry to testify in a non-jury trial in response to a lawsuit involving a Montecito mansion. This week, Katy and Orlando became parties in a court case over a home purchased in 2020 for $15 million. The plaintiff, 84-year-old Carl Westcott claims he was in no state to make any major decision three years back when he sold the property to the couple. The attorney representing Katy’s party Eric Rowan argues otherwise, resulting in a full-blown court battle. However, Katy’s busy schedule is seemingly in the way of her active participation.
Judge Rejects Katy’s Closed Court Request in Montecito Mansion Trial
In their latest court session, Eric, who is Katy’s business manager Bernie Gudvi’s attorney requested the court’s approval to use the singer’s deposition as testimony. According to the attorney, Katy was filming a TV series in Alabama. The shooting schedule would run until October 19. Hence, she could not make it in time for the non-jury trial. However, the judge turned down the attorney’s suggestion, prompting him to request a closed court hearing. Again, the judge declined the request, ultimately ordering Katy Perry to testify in the case over her Montecito Mansion, regardless of what project she had in the works. Per People,
“I am inclined to have her do it remotely, but I am not inclined to have a closed court. She is a person like anyone else. She is asking for a lot of money.”
The judge pointed out that given her massive demands as compensation for the Montecito mansion, Katy Perry would “have to answer to questions” like everyone else.
Details of Katy Perry’s Latest Court Case
The trial commenced on Wednesday, September 28, and comprises two phases. Per reports, the first phase of the hearing would determine if Carl Westcott was indeed incapacitated during the transaction. The second would determine if Katy Perry was entitled to damages from the disputed purchase of the Montecito mansion.
So far, neither of the involved parties is backing down on their claims. Per the plaintiff, who is father-in-law to Real Housewives of Dallas‘ Kameron Westcott, he was on painkillers at the time. By implication, he had an “unsound mind” making him incapable of signing a binding contract. Katy’s business manager’s lawyer argues otherwise, insisting Carl was rational at the time and even commenced shopping for homes.
Regardless, the couple is demanding monetary compensation to cover rent in the Montecito area and damages. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom demand $2.7 as equivalent of the rental cost and another $3.21 million in damages having forfeited potential profit from the mansion. The outcome of the long-stretched legal battle would be determined after Katy Perry takes her final stand in court.
