American singer Chris Brown has been ordered to pay nearly $13 million in damages to a former housekeeper who was attacked by a security dog at his California property in December 2020.
A California jury delivered the verdict on Tuesday following a two-week trial involving Maria Avila, who was mauled by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian Shepherd owned by Brown, while taking out trash outside the singer’s home in Tarzana.
According to Avila’s attorney, Michael C. Murphy Jr., Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, were found liable for negligence and ordered to pay $12.9 million in damages to Maria Avila.
In addition, Avila’s sister, Patricia Avila, who was present during the attack, was awarded $885,000 for emotional distress, while Maria Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, received $50,000.
Speaking after the verdict, Murphy said the ruling delivered justice for the family after years of legal proceedings.
During the trial, Brown argued that the dog was kept strictly for security purposes and was not his personal pet.
However, testimony presented in court alleged that after the attack, Brown left the scene while employees contacted emergency services and assisted the injured woman.
Brown testified that he avoided getting involved directly because he feared his presence would attract media attention.
The singer also told the court that he had previously warned the two housekeepers about the dogs and advised them not to go outside without security personnel present. The women denied receiving any such warning.
The verdict comes days after Brown launched a co-headlining U.S. tour with fellow singer Usher, which is scheduled to continue across multiple stadiums this summer.
