Katy Perry delivered a powerful performance at the 2025 Invictus Games opening ceremony in Vancouver, Canada, despite ongoing controversy surrounding her legal battle with the family of a disabled veteran.
Katy Perry Headlines Invictus Games Opening Ceremony
The 40-year-old pop icon took center stage at BC Place Stadium, performing some of her biggest hits, including Firework, Dark Horse, Roar, and Part of Me. The event, founded by Prince Harry in 2014 to support wounded and injured service members, saw Perry showing solidarity with her Montecito neighbors, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Sporting a bold outfit featuring a sleeveless vest over a white corset, paired with grey gym shorts and futuristic over-the-knee white boots, Perry captivated the audience. Her performance featured a large ensemble, including the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, the 15th Field Regiment Band, and the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, as well as members of the Invictus Games Dance Corps.
Other performers included Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Nelly Furtado, Roxanne Bruneau, and Noah Kahan, adding to the night’s star-studded lineup.
Legal Dispute with Veteran’s Family Sparks Backlash
Despite the excitement surrounding Perry’s performance, controversy loomed as the family of disabled veteran Carl Westcott, 84, had previously urged Prince Harry to reconsider her participation. Westcott, a former U.S. Army veteran and businessman, has been engaged in a long-standing legal dispute with Perry over a $15 million Montecito mansion.
Westcott, who has been battling Huntington’s disease and is reportedly mentally incapacitated, had been involved in a legal battle with Perry over the sale of his home. His family alleges that Perry pursued legal action against him despite his deteriorating health, prompting his son, Chart Westcott, to write a letter to Prince Harry.
In the letter, exclusively obtained by Daily Mail, Chart expressed his family’s dismay, stating:
“Our father, a proud veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division, has spent his life upholding values that align with the mission of the Invictus Games. Yet, as he battles Huntington’s disease at 85, he has been unable to fully defend himself in a prolonged legal dispute with Ms. Perry.”
Chart emphasized that featuring Perry at an event dedicated to honoring veterans was “at odds” with the spirit of the Invictus Games. He called on Prince Harry to reconsider her involvement, highlighting the emotional toll the lawsuit has taken on their family.
Prince Harry Caught in the Crossfire
As the founder of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry has been unintentionally drawn into the controversy. His close ties to Perry and her fiancé, actor Orlando Bloom, who also resides in Montecito, have fueled criticism from Westcott’s family.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Chart Westcott questioned whether Harry was fully aware of the legal battle, stating:
“It just seems like he could not have been aware of Katy’s actions and her complete lack of empathy toward my father. She doesn’t care about disabled veterans, much less those who attend the Invictus Games. I know Harry is a veteran himself, and I hope he wouldn’t want someone associated with the Games who hasn’t shown support for the veteran community.”
What’s Next for Perry and the Westcott Case?
Perry officially gained control of the Montecito property in May 2024, after a legal ruling granted her ownership. However, the case remains a point of contention, with a second trial scheduled for February 25, 2025. The Westcott family has vowed to continue fighting to preserve Carl’s legacy and challenge Perry’s legal claims.
As the Invictus Games continue, the controversy surrounding Perry’s performance remains a hot topic. While her fans celebrated her powerful set, critics argue that her involvement contradicts the values of an event dedicated to honoring veterans.
With the legal battle still ongoing, all eyes will be on how both Perry and the Invictus Games address the controversy moving forward.
