Katy Perry wins $10m in legal battle against nuns
Katy Perry and the Catholic Church have won a $10 million (£7.5m) payout in damages after Katy's attempt to buy a former LA convent ended up in court.
Perry agreed to purchase the Los Feliz property for $14.5m (£10.8m) in 2015, however, two of the nuns who used to live there objected – and instead sold it to businesswoman Dana Hollister without approval from the archdiocese.
Hollister bought the property with the help of Sisters Rita Callahan and Catherine Rose Holzman from the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), who claimed they had the authority to sell.
She paid just $44,000 (£32,000) for the convent, agreeing to pay an additional $9.9 million (£7.4 million) after three years (via BBC).
The sisters said they were uncomfortable with Perry buying the property due to her provocative music, with Sister Rita Callanan telling the LA Times: "I found her videos. I wasn't happy with any of it."
However, the sisters did not have the right to sell the property as they did not obtain the legal blessings of Archbishop Jose Gomez and the Vatican – which is required to approve the sale of any property over $7.5 million (£5.6m).
A jury agreed with Katy Perry and the Catholic Church that Hollister had acted with malice, and awarded them $10 million, of which Katy gets one-third, and the church gets two-thirds.
In a statement from the archdiocese, to the Angulus website, the church said it took action because Hollister had paid just $44,000 for the property, and they felt she had taken advantage of the nuns.
The archdiocese statement reads (via Sky News): "Hollister's actions left the IHM Sisters with almost nothing for their property, while she took possession of their former convent to prevent the sale of the property to singer Katy Perry who had presented a cash offer for $14.5m for the Waverly property and a replacement for the House of Prayer of Priests.
"The proceeds from any sale of the property will be for the IHM Institute to be used for the care and well-being of all five remaining Sisters.
"Hollister knowingly took advantage of two of the elderly sisters which jeopardised the future health and well-being of all IHM Sisters.
"The archdiocese and counsel for Ms Perry were in court seeking a just resolution in the best interest of all the five remaining IHM Sisters and to hold Hollister accountable for damages and legal fees."
Katy's lawyers told Billboard this week: "Katy is extremely pleased with the jury's insight and understanding, and is hopeful that the jury's decision will pave the way for her to complete the purchase of the Waverly property without further interference.
"For my part, I am very satisfied with the jury's decision and believe that justice has been well served."
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Twitter account and you're all set.
You Might Also Like
