Chris Brown Ordered to Pay $13 Million for Dog Attack on Housekeeper

Chris Brown has been ordered by a Los Angeles jury to pay nearly $14 million in damages to a housekeeper who was severely injured by his dog in 2020. The jury found Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, negligent after the Caucasian Shepherd dog named Hades attacked Maria Avila while she was taking out the trash outside Brown's home in the Tarzana neighborhood of California. Avila suffered serious injuries requiring skin grafts and left her unable to return to work due to physical and psychological trauma.

In addition to the $12.9 million awarded to Avila, her sister Patricia Avila received $885,000 for emotional distress, and Avila's husband Oscar Olivo was granted $50,000 in damages. Brown claimed the dog was kept solely for security and denied personal ownership. He also testified that he warned the housekeepers not to enter the yard without security present, a claim the women denied, citing language barriers.

The jury heard that Brown left the scene after the attack instead of calling emergency services or assisting Avila, reportedly to avoid media attention. Brown admitted some responsibility but said he was advised by his manager to leave before emergency responders arrived. The court barred mention of Brown's 2009 assault conviction involving Rihanna during the trial.

This verdict comes shortly after Brown began a joint U.S. tour with rapper Asher and ahead of a separate assault trial scheduled in London this October related to an alleged 2023 nightclub incident. Brown denies the new allegations and was released on bail to continue performing.

Avila's lawyer, Michael C. Murphy Jr., expressed relief at achieving justice after more than five years of legal battle, highlighting the lasting impact on Avila and her family. Avila testified through a Spanish interpreter about the trauma and permanent scars she sustained, with her daughter describing how the attack changed her mother’s personality and lifestyle.