July 1 (THEWILL) — R&B singer, Chris Brown, has been ordered to pay nearly $13 million after a Los Angeles jury found him liable in a 2020 dog attack case involving his former housekeeper.
The verdict was delivered on June 30 after a two-week civil trial in California.
The jury awarded $12.9 million to housekeeper Maria Avila, who was attacked while working at Brown’s home in Tarzana, California. Her sister, Patricia Avila, received $885,000 for emotional distress, while her husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000 for harm to their marriage.
Avila said she suffered severe injuries, including permanent scarring, nerve damage, and long-term physical and psychological trauma that prevented her from returning to work.
The attack involved a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd named Hades, which Brown said was kept for security reasons due to stalker concerns.
During the trial, jurors heard claims that Brown left the property before emergency services arrived, saying he feared a “media circus”. Brown testified that he was in shock after seeing the victim and followed advice from his team to leave the scene.
Brown’s lawyers argued that he had warned staff about the dogs and disputed parts of the claims, including the extent of Avila’s injuries. The plaintiffs denied receiving any warning.
Brown is currently on tour in the U.S. He is also due to face a separate criminal trial in the U.K. later this year over an alleged nightclub assault.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
