How a Real Estate Dispute Led to a New Katy Perry-Inspired Law Protecting Seniors' Property Rights

The entertainment world collided with property law when a high-profile real estate transaction between singer Katy Perry and property mogul Carl Westcott spiraled into a lengthy courtroom dispute that ultimately sparked broader calls for senior protection legislation. This case has become a catalyst for a groundbreaking law designed to safeguard older Americans from potentially exploitative property deals.

The Property Dispute That Started It All

In 2020, Perry and her partner, actor Orlando Bloom, attempted to purchase a $15 million mansion in Montecito, California, from Carl Westcott, then the founder of 1-800-Flowers. The transaction appeared straightforward, with Perry’s business manager, Bernie Gudvie, representing the buyers. However, complications emerged when Westcott, now 84 and recovering from major back surgery while taking pain medication, sought to withdraw from the agreement. Medical records indicated Westcott was managing Huntington’s Disease, a progressive neurological condition affecting movement, cognition, and mental health.

Westcott’s legal team argued he lacked the mental capacity to make sound decisions at the time of the agreement. Perry’s representatives countered that he had been fully engaged throughout the process—reviewing broker rates, evaluating multiple offers, and negotiating terms. The dispute escalated when Gudvie filed a counterclaim seeking approximately $6 million in damages, citing $3.2 million for “loss of use” and $2.7 million for related carrying costs while Perry maintained her other properties.

The PERRY Act: Legislative Response to a Growing Problem

Rather than remain confined to courtrooms, this contentious case prompted legislators to address a systemic vulnerability. The PERRY Act—an acronym for “Protecting Elder Realty for Retirement Years” that cleverly references Perry’s name—proposes a straightforward safeguard: a 72-hour cooling-off period during which either party in real estate transactions involving individuals aged 75 or older can rescind agreements without penalty.

Currently, 37 elected officials across multiple states have thrown their support behind the proposal. Chart Westcott, Carl’s son, articulated the motivation behind the law: “We hope lawmakers will adopt protections for seniors in real estate transfers so that what happened to my father will never happen to anyone else’s aging parents or grandparents ever again.”

Why This Law Matters Now

Demographers and policymakers recognize that America faces an unprecedented wealth transfer. As baby boomers and earlier generations pass assets to their families, homes represent the single largest component of most household wealth. The legislation’s consensus statement emphasizes that this massive intergenerational transition creates vulnerability: seniors may rush into decisions under pressure, medication effects, or cognitive decline—opening doors to unintended losses of family legacy.

The three-day review period would allow seniors—or their designees—to consult attorneys, trusted family members, or financial advisors before finalizing property transactions. This modest safeguard addresses a genuine gap in consumer protection frameworks.

Bipartisan Support and Legislative Momentum

A notable aspect of the PERRY Act is its cross-party appeal. Legislators from more than a dozen states have endorsed the measure, signaling that senior protection transcends traditional political divides. However, the pathway to law remains uncertain. Proponents are still determining whether to pursue this as federal legislation or advance it through individual state legislatures—a strategic choice that could significantly impact implementation timelines and scope.

If enacted, the law would fundamentally reshape how property transactions involving seniors proceed, creating a mandatory pause for reflection and professional consultation. For an aging population managing complex financial decisions, this protection represents a meaningful step toward preserving generational wealth and family homes from avoidable mistakes.