Chris Brown, the American R&B singer, has been ordered by a US jury to pay £10.2 million in damages to Maria Avila, his former housekeeper, following a vicious dog attack at his California home in 2020. The devastating incident, which left Ms Avila with extensive injuries and long-term psychological trauma, has now led to a significant financial penalty for Brown, who was present during the attack but departed before paramedics arrived.
Maria Avila had been working at Brown's Tarzana residence when she was set upon by his 5-year-old Caucasian shepherd, Hades. The housekeeper, who required multiple skin grafts and nerve damage treatment, took to the witness stand to recount the harrowing experience in graphic detail. She claimed that, despite being warned about the dog's potential danger, Brown had failed to take adequate precautions to prevent such an attack.
Brown had argued in court that Hades was a vital guard dog necessary due to his celebrity status and 'stalker-type situations' he encountered. He admitted negligence but disputed the full extent of Ms Avila's injuries during the trial. The singer maintained that he had cautioned both Ms Avila and her sister, Patricia, about leaving the property without his permission.
The lawsuit was filed in 2021 by Maria Avila and her husband, Oscar Olivo, seeking compensation for their family's ordeal. Patricia Avila received a separate award of £885,000 for emotional distress. The recent jury decision brings an end to a protracted legal battle that has had far-reaching implications for the singer.
This civil judgment is not Chris Brown's first brush with the law. He has faced numerous other high-profile court cases over the years, including his 2009 conviction for assaulting former girlfriend Rihanna and a subsequent violation of probation terms in 2014. The singer is set to face trial in the UK in October, charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with an alleged assault at a Mayfair members' club in 2023.