American R&B star Chris Brown has been ordered to pay $12.9 million in damages after a jury found him liable for a dog attack that left his former housekeeper severely injured.
The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in 2020 at Brown’s residence in Tarzana, California, where his 200-pound Caucasian shepherd, named Hades, attacked housekeeper Maria Avila while she was taking out the trash.
During the trial, Avila testified that she was attacked without warning and suffered severe injuries to her face and arm. She underwent multiple surgeries, including skin graft procedures, and was left with permanent disfigurement, nerve damage and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A Los Angeles jury awarded Avila $12.9 million in damages for negligence and emotional distress. Her sister, Patricia Avila, who was also present during the incident, was awarded $885,000 for emotional distress, while Maria’s husband, Oscar Olivo, received $50,000 in damages.
Brown admitted to some negligence during the proceedings but disputed the extent of the injuries and argued that he had previously warned the workers about the aggressive nature of the dogs on the property. The victims, however, denied receiving such warnings.
The singer also testified that he left the property before emergency responders arrived because he wanted to avoid what he described as a “media circus” due to his celebrity status. He maintained that the guard dog was necessary because of recurring security concerns and stalking incidents.
The ruling marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began in 2021 and adds to Brown’s long history of legal controversies. Despite the latest judgment, the Grammy-winning singer remains active in the music industry and is currently on tour in North America.
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