A California jury has ordered Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown to pay nearly $13 million in damages to his former housekeeper, Maria Avila, after she suffered severe injuries in a dog attack at his Tarzana home in December 2020.
The verdict, delivered in Van Nuys, also awarded compensation to Avila’s sister and husband, concluding a legal battle that lasted more than five years.
Jury Awards Millions to Victim and Family
Jurors found Brown and his company, Pyramid LLC, liable for damages stemming from the attack involving his dog, Hades. Maria Avila was awarded $12.9 million for the physical and emotional harm she endured during the incident.
The jury also awarded $885,000 to Avila’s sister, Patricia, who was working at the property at the time and claimed emotional distress resulting from the attack.
In addition, Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, received $50,000 for loss of consortium, recognizing the impact the injuries had on their family life.
Attorney Calls Verdict a Victory After Lengthy Legal Fight
Following the decision, attorney Michael C. Murphy Jr., who represented Patricia Avila, said the outcome brought long-awaited justice to the family.
He described the ruling as the culmination of years of litigation and said the family had endured significant hardship since the traumatic events of December 2020.
Lawsuit Stemmed From 2020 Dog Attack
The case originated from an incident at Brown’s Tarzana residence on Dec. 12, 2020, when Avila alleged she was attacked by Hades, a Central Asian Ovcharka kept on the property.
Avila said the dog inflicted serious injuries to her face, hand and foot, causing permanent physical damage. She testified that she cried out for help as the animal bit through flesh and bone during the attack.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, initially sought $90 million in damages.
Emotional Testimony Highlights Lasting Impact
During the trial, Avila told jurors that the attack permanently changed her life, saying she would “never be the same again.”
Her daughter, Yoseline Espinoza, also testified, recalling a frantic phone call from Patricia Avila immediately after the attack. According to Espinoza, her aunt feared Maria Avila might not survive as they waited for emergency responders to arrive.
Brown Describes Scene but Disputes Extent of Injuries
Brown testified that he witnessed significant injuries after hearing his dog growling and rushing downstairs.
He told the court he saw extensive bleeding and facial wounds before securing the dogs and calling for assistance. Brown said he checked that Avila was breathing but did not physically move her before leaving the property.
The singer explained that his manager advised him to leave before emergency crews arrived, arguing that his celebrity status could have turned the incident into a media spectacle and complicated the emergency response.
Brown said he drove around for several hours before eventually returning home.
Singer Maintains Housekeepers Ignored Safety Warnings
Although Brown accepted partial responsibility for the incident, he argued that Avila’s injuries had been overstated.
He testified that both Maria and Patricia Avila had previously been warned that the dogs were aggressive and should only be approached when accompanied by security personnel.
Brown also explained that Hades had been acquired to help protect his property because of repeated encounters with stalkers and other security threats.
Dog Removed After Attack
Court testimony revealed that Hades was later taken to Humboldt County by a security guard before authorities located the animal.
The dog was ultimately euthanized after being recovered by officials.
Brown stated he was not personally responsible for decisions regarding the dog’s handling after the attack.
Trial Revisits Brown’s Public Image
Jury selection also drew attention after several prospective jurors acknowledged holding unfavorable opinions of Brown because of his 2009 felony assault conviction involving then-girlfriend Rihanna.
Despite those concerns, the trial focused on the evidence surrounding the 2020 dog attack and the extent of Brown’s legal responsibility for the injuries suffered by his former employee.
The verdict marks one of the largest civil judgments Brown has faced and concludes a closely watched lawsuit stemming from the attack at his California residence.
