Katy Perry wins real estate lawsuit
The jury found Friday that entrepreneur Dana Hollister should pay the archdiocese $3.47 million and Perry $1.57 million for interference with contractual relations and other misdeeds.
The 33-year-old pop star has sought to buy the 8-acre property and its Roman-villa style buildings in the city’s Los Feliz neighborhood for $14.5 million, and to relocate an adjoining house of prayer used by priests. Her bid has the approval of Los Angeles’ archbishop.
But Hollister stepped in and attempted to purchase the property from two nuns who had lived there. A judge voided that sale earlier this year, saying the archdiocese had the right to sell the property, not the nuns.
The jury found that her actions led to Perry and the archdiocese having to pay exorbitant lawyer fees and other costs, which Hollister should get the bill for.
An after-hours message left with Hollister’s attorneys seeking comment was not immediately returned.
Her lawyer Michael Geibelson said in court that she thought she had a correct and legal contract, and intended no harm.
Perry and the archdiocese are still working out the terms of the sale. The archdiocese needs permission from the Vatican to finalize it.
The trial moves to a second phase in December, when the jury will decide if Hollister should pay punitive damages.
The Sisters of the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary have owned the property for more than 40 years, but they haven’t lived in the convent for several years. Only five sisters remain.
AP
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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