Jury Says Chris Brown Owes Housekeeper $13 Million for Disfigurement in Dog Mauling Attack

A Los Angeles jury has ordered singer Chris Brown to pay nearly $13 million in damages following a 2020 incident in which his dog attacked and permanently disfigured his housekeeper. The verdict, delivered on Tuesday after a two-week trial, overwhelmingly favored Maria Avila, who was mauled by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd belonging to Brown, while she was taking out trash outside his Tarzana, California residence. The decision was first reported by Billboard. This case underscores the increasing legal exposure for celebrities who keep large, protective dog breeds on their properties without implementing adequate safety measures for staff, a concern that has grown as more high-profile figures face lawsuits over animal attacks on domestic workers.

According to Maria Avila's attorney, Michael C. Murphy Jr., Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, are liable for $12.9 million in negligence damages. The financial penalties extend further: Patricia Avila, Maria's sister, who was also working at the time of the attack, received $885,000 for emotional distress, while Maria's husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000. Murphy called the outcome a long-awaited victory, stating, "After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client, Patricia. We are so happy for her and her family after everything they went through on that horrible day." Neither Murphy nor a representative for Brown immediately responded to Variety's request for comment. Legal experts note that such high awards often serve as a deterrent for employers who fail to implement clear safety protocols for domestic workers. For context, Brown, who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like "Run It!" and "Forever," has faced numerous legal battles over the years, including a 2009 assault conviction involving Rihanna that significantly impacted his public image and career.

During the trial, Brown argued that the dog, a breed often used for protection, was kept for security purposes and not as a personal pet. However, testimony may have swayed the jury: it revealed that Brown fled the scene instead of calling 911 or assisting Avila. He reportedly drove around for hours, leaving employees to handle the emergency, citing fears of a "media circus" if his voice was heard on the call or if he was present when police arrived. Brown, who has a history of legal troubles—including a 2009 assault conviction involving Rihanna—had admitted some responsibility before the trial but insisted he warned Avila and her sister about the dogs and instructed them to only go outside with security present. The verdict comes just days after Brown began a co-headlining stadium tour with Usher, which includes two performances at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium in September. SoFi Stadium, which opened in 2020, has quickly become a premier venue for large-scale concerts and sporting events, hosting events like the Super Bowl LVI and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Industry analysts suggest that the timing of the verdict could affect ticket sales or public perception of the tour, though neither Brown nor Usher's camp has commented on the matter.