Chris Brown Ordered to Pay Nearly $13 Million After Former Housekeeper Wins Dog Attack Lawsuit

Chris Brown has been ordered to pay nearly $13 million after a Los Angeles jury found him liable in a lawsuit filed by his former housekeeper, who suffered life-altering injuries in a dog attack outside the singer’s California home.

Jury Awards Millions in Damages

The verdict follows a two-week civil trial over a 2020 incident in which Maria Avila was attacked by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd, while taking out the trash at Brown’s Tarzana residence.

The jury awarded approximately $12.9 million to Avila for negligence. Her sister, Patricia, received $885,000 for emotional distress after witnessing the attack, while Patricia’s husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000.

Housekeeper Suffered Lasting Injuries

During the trial, Avila testified that the attack left her with permanent facial scarring, serious injuries to her left arm, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Court testimony stated she underwent multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and has been unable to return to work because of her physical limitations and ongoing trauma.

“I will never be the same again,” Avila told jurors while describing the lasting impact of the attack.

Brown Disputed Responsibility

Brown argued during the case that Avila had provoked the dog and was partly responsible for her injuries. He also maintained that Hades was a security dog rather than a personal pet.

The singer testified that he heard the dog growling while preparing to shower and found Avila seriously injured outside his home. Brown said the scene “freaked me out,” though testimony presented during the trial alleged he left the property rather than immediately calling emergency services.

Avila and her sister denied Brown’s claim that they had previously been warned not to go outside unless security personnel were present.

Case Ends After Years of Litigation

Avila’s attorney said the verdict brought long-awaited justice after more than five years of legal proceedings. The lawsuit sought compensation for the severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences of the attack.

The civil judgment comes as Brown is currently touring across the United States. Separately, the singer is scheduled to face criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom later this year in connection with an unrelated alleged assault case, in which he has denied wrongdoing.