A Los Angeles jury has ordered American R&B singer Chris Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, to pay approximately $13 million in damages after finding them liable for negligence regarding a 2020 dog attack. The verdict, delivered in June, concludes a lawsuit involving his former housekeeper, Maria Avila, who was severely mauled by a 200-pound Caucasian Shepherd named Hades at the singer’s Tarzana, California, residence.
The attack occurred on December 12, 2020, while Maria Avila was emptying the trash at the property. During the two-week trial, Avila testified, recounting how the dog attacked her without warning. The mauling left her with permanent facial disfigurement, scarring, vision loss, and nerve damage, requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts from her abdomen to her arm.
“I will never be the same again,” she told jurors during the proceedings.
Chris Brown, who testified as the first witness, stated that he had kept the dog for security purposes due to stalker-type situations and claimed he had warned the housekeepers about the animal’s presence. However, the housekeepers denied these claims, saying that no such warnings were ever given. Brown also admitted to not personally calling 911, explaining that he feared a media circus due to his status as a celebrity. He further conceded that he departed the scene before paramedics arrived, acting on the advice of his manager to avoid public scrutiny.
The jury ruled in favour of the victims. Maria Avila was awarded $12.9 million in damages for negligence. Additionally, her sister, Patricia Avila, who was present at the time of the attack, was awarded $885,000 for emotional distress, while Maria’s husband, Oscar Olivo, was awarded $50,000.
Attorneys for the victims expressed relief following the conclusion of the trial.
“After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client,” attorney Michael C. Murphy Jr. stated.
Chris Brown came on the scene in 2005 with his self-titled debut album and the chart-topping hit “Run It!”. Brown has remained a dominant force in global R&B and pop music. Known for his exceptional vocal range and world-class dance abilities, he has amassed a vast catalogue of platinum-selling records, including Exclusive, F.A.M.E., and Indigo. Throughout his over two-decade career, the Grammy Award-winning artist has consistently topped charts and sold out international arenas, maintaining a massive, dedicated fanbase despite various public controversies.
