Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“Perry, who is pursuing $4.8 million in damages, is scheduled to testify on August 26 during the penalty phase.”
LOS ANGELES — Katy Perry is preparing to testify on Aug. 26 in her long-running legal dispute with the Wescott family over her $15 million Montecito mansion.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed in 2020 by Carl Westcott, a U.S. Army veteran and founder of 1-800-Flowers, against Perry’s business manager, Bernie Gudvi. Gudvi represented Perry in the July 2020 purchase of the 8.9-acre estate for $15 million.
Westcott, who had purchased the property just two months earlier for about $11 million, sought to void the contract. He argued he lacked the capacity to properly agree to the sale due to complications from a recent surgery and an ongoing brain disorder.
In November 2023, Judge Joseph Lipner ruled that Gudvi was entitled to enforce the sale on Perry’s behalf. The case was then divided into two phases — one addressing damages, and the current penalty phase, which began this week.
On Thursday, Judge Lipner criticized Perry’s legal team after they attempted to move up her testimony unexpectedly, citing her touring schedule. Perry, who is currently on The Lifetimes Tour and set to finish its U.S. leg in Miami this weekend, was reportedly only available to testify “today and tomorrow,” according to her attorney Alex Linhardt.
The judge rejected the maneuver, calling it “outrageous” and saying, “It doesn’t reflect well on you, it doesn’t reflect well on Ms. Hudson. It’s not nice, it’s not right.” Perry’s legal team also requested she be referred to by her real name, Katheryn Hudson, while on the stand.
Westcott’s lawyer, Andrew J. Thomas, said he needed at least 48 hours to prepare for her cross-examination. Judge Lipner agreed, noting Perry may have to return for additional testimony at a later date. He also emphasized that no further delays would be permitted after seven continuances — six of them filed by the Westcott side.
Court Westcott, Carl’s son, described the opening day of the damages phase as “emotionally draining” but expressed optimism. “We’re glad to finally have our day in court and are looking forward to justice for my father,” he told Fox News Digital.
Legal expert Christopher C. Melcher added that Perry’s request to testify out of order could have “disrupted the flow of the trial.” He also noted that while Perry wasn’t directly involved in the original negotiation — with Gudvi acting as the purchaser on her behalf — she likely had knowledge of the property’s condition once she received the keys nearly three years later.
