Carl Westcott’s name has recently been circulating in celebrity real estate news mainly because of his highly publicized legal dispute with Katy Perry.

A $15 million Montecito home, countersuits, and courtroom hearings have placed him in the middle of major media attention.

But reducing his story to that one property case hides the real journey behind his life. Long before the headlines, Westcott was a self-made businessman who rose from extreme poverty to building multi-million-dollar companies including the original foundation behind 1-800-FLOWERS.

Early Life: Poverty, Struggle, and Discipline

Carl Westcott was born in 1939 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, into a family where poverty tested him daily. His home was so small and underprivileged that it didn’t even have plumbing. When he was just six, his father left the family due to alcoholism.

To support his household, Carl began working at age five, waking before dawn to sell newspapers. By the time he turned eight, he was already earning more than his mother.

Because of the constant hardships, his school attendance declined, and eventually, a court sent him to the Columbia Training School. Though many saw it as punishment, Carl felt safe for the first time in his life—regular meals, clean clothes, and a teacher telling him he was “smart” became life-changing moments.

Military Service: A Path to Purpose and Discipline

At the age of 16, Carl changed his birth date in the family Bible so he could join the U.S. Army. The Army gave him the equality and respect he had longed for since childhood.

Serving three years as a paratrooper, he gained discipline, confidence, and a new sense of direction. During this time, he also completed his GED.

After being discharged, he set one firm goal for himself never return to poverty again.

Business Career: From a Car Lot to National Success

After leaving the Army, Westcott began working in car sales. Through sheer determination, he became a sales manager by the age of 20. That role marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, he built a business empire that included:

Auto Dealership Empire

He owned 17 dealerships, demonstrating sharp business instincts.

First Extended Service Corporation

He founded the world’s first automotive extended warranty company, which was later sold to insurance giant Aon.

1-800-FLOWERS

In 1976, Westcott acquired the 1-800-FLOWERS number, which later grew into a national brand.

Westcott Communications

His biggest business success — a pioneering satellite-delivered corporate training system.
The company went public in 1989 and was sold in 1996 for a massive profit.

The Katy Perry Case: What Happened?

In 2020, Carl Westcott sold his Montecito home to Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom for $15 million. A few days later, he tried to cancel the sale.

His argument was that he wasn’t mentally competent to sign the agreement due to:

• Advanced Huntington’s disease
• Major back surgery
• Powerful pain medications

In December 2023, the judge ruled that the sale was valid and that Westcott was mentally lucid at the time of signing.
The case is now in its second phase, where Katy Perry is seeking damages and lost rent.

The Family’s Appeal for Compassion

Today, Carl Westcott is 85 years old, bedridden, and living in a memory care facility in Dallas.
His family including his son Chart Westcott and Real Housewives star Kameron Westcott continues to appeal for the legal fight to end so Carl can spend his remaining years in peace.

They have publicly stated that if Katy Perry drops the damages claim, they are ready to forgive her.

A Complex but Inspiring Legacy

Carl Westcott’s life is a remarkable example of the American Dream.
From deep poverty in Mississippi to building multi-industry success, his journey showcases resilience, vision, and relentless ambition.

Regardless of the ongoing legal battle, Carl Westcott will always be remembered as a bold, innovative entrepreneurial figure whose impact extends far beyond a single real-estate dispute.

FAQs

1. Who is Carl Westcott?

Carl Westcott is a self-made American entrepreneur and U.S. Army veteran. He is the original founder of 1-800-FLOWERS, creator of multiple companies, and a major figure in the automotive and communications industries.

2. What is the dispute between Carl Westcott and Katy Perry?

The dispute began over a $15 million Montecito home sold in 2020. Westcott claimed he was not medically competent at the time of signing. The judge ruled the sale valid and the case is now in the damages phase.

3. Why did Westcott try to cancel the sale?

He argued that his mental capacity was affected by:

• Huntington’s disease
• Back surgery
• Strong pain medication

4. What is Carl Westcott best known for in the business world?

He is known for:

• Owning 17 auto dealerships
• Founding the first automotive warranty company
• Acquiring 1-800-FLOWERS
• Creating Westcott Communications

5. What does the family want now?

They want the legal conflict to end so Carl Westcott can spend his final years in peace. They are willing to forgive Katy Perry if she drops the damages claim.