Court Orders Chris Brown To Pay $13 Million In Dog Attack Case

A jury in Los Angeles has ordered American singer Chris Brown to pay nearly $13 million in damages after finding him liable in a civil lawsuit filed by his former housekeeper, Maria Avila, who was seriously injured in a dog attack at his Tarzana, California, home in 2020. The verdict followed a two-week trial that examined allegations of negligence and the lasting impact of the incident on the victims.

According to court proceedings, Maria Avila was attacked while taking out the trash when a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd named Hades allegedly mauled her, causing severe injuries. The attack reportedly resulted in permanent facial disfigurement, scarring, nerve damage, vision loss, and significant physical trauma. The jury awarded Avila $12.9 million in damages, while her sister and co-worker, Patricia Avila, received $885,000 for emotional distress. Maria's husband, Oscar Olivo, was also awarded $50,000.

Maria Avila filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, failed to ensure a safe working environment. Before the trial, Brown accepted partial responsibility for negligence but disputed the extent of Avila's injuries and argued that she shared some responsibility for the incident. During his testimony, Brown said he had warned employees that several dogs on the property were not friendly and should not be approached without security personnel.

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Brown also told the court that Hades was not his personal pet but had been acquired and maintained by his security team to protect the property from intruders. He testified that he rushed downstairs after hearing the dog growling and found Avila seriously injured. Brown said he chose not to remain at the scene or make the emergency call himself because he feared his involvement would attract media attention and complicate the emergency response, adding that he returned home only after being informed it was appropriate to do so.

During the trial, Maria Avila testified that the injuries and psychological trauma had permanently affected her life and career. She said she has been unable to resume work as a housekeeper due to reduced strength in her arm and post-traumatic stress that prevents her from being around dogs, effectively ending her ability to continue in her profession.

The verdict concludes a lengthy civil case that has drawn significant public attention. Separately, Brown is also facing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he is scheduled to stand trial in October over allegations of assault involving music producer Abraham Diaw in a London nightclub. Brown has denied wrongdoing in that matter, and the case remains pending.

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