The songstress, 38, has been asked to testify in a non-jury trial over a 1930s mansion in Montecito that she purchased with her fiancé Orlando Bloom in July 2020 for $15 million. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the eight-bedroom and 11-bath Santa Barbara area estate was owned by 84-year-old business entrepreneur Carl Westcott.
The couple and Westcott are in the middle of a legal battle over the 9,285-square-foot home, per court documents, due to Westcott claiming that he had not been in the right mindset to sign any binding contracts and that he wanted to avoid the sale altogether.
The father-in-law of former Real Housewives of Dallas reality star, Kameron Westcott, was diagnosed with a genetic brain disorder known as Huntington’s Disease in 2015 and is now living in a facility for patients facing dementia.
Perry and Bloom’s business manager Bernie Gudvi’s attorney, Eric Rowan, previously argued Westcott’s degenerative brain diagnosis had not impacted Westcott’s mental capacity. Westcott’s attorney, Andrew Thomas, argued that having spinal surgery on his back five days before the sale made him have “delusion” and “intrusive thoughts” after having to take the painkillers hydrocodone, gabapentin, and tramadol.
According to court papers obtained by PEOPLE, Thomas also claimed an email delivery of trial subpoenas was sent to Perry in July and August.
Rowan suggested during the latest court session to use Perry’s deposition as testimony. He also argued that “she is in Alabama taping the TV series she is on” until Oct. 19. After being turned down by the judge, he asked for a closed court for her testimony.
Since Perry is also seeking more than $5 million in damages due to loss of potential rental income and for the cost of maintaining other properties she and Bloom, 46, rent, Thomas asked for her to testify remotely over the damages and the home’s rightful owner.
The judge responded by saying, “I am inclined to have her do it remote, 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 noted that Perry should have to answer questions.
Perry and Bloom got engaged in February 2019 and share a 3-year-old daughter named Daisy Dove. Most recently, the singer has been busy with her Resorts World Las Vegas residency that began in December 2021 and is set to run through November.
Apart from being announced as a returning judge for season 22 of American Idol, she was recently named as the voice of a brand-new character for Peppa Pig’s upcoming three-part 20th anniversary special.
In other news – Actress Mia Thornton splits from husband
Mia Thornton, 38, revealed during a September 29 interview with PEOPLE that she and Gordon Thornton, 70, have decided to end their marriage after 11 years. “Like all marriages, ours has had its ups and downs,” The Real Housewives of Potomac star said. “At this time, Gordon and I are separated, but my family is my number one priority, and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure we are okay.”
The 38-year-old and Gordan were married in 2012 and share three kids including Jeremiah Carter, 8, Juliana, 6, and another child from their prior relationships. In the statement shared with the mag on Friday, Mia went on to ask for privacy for her family amid the separation. “We ask that you respect our privacy and give us the time and space to figure things out,” the Bravo star concluded. Read More
