Chris Brown ordered to pay $13 million to housekeeper mauled by dog

Chris Brown has been ordered to pay $13 million (£9.8 million) in damages after a California jury found in favour of his former housekeeper, who was seriously injured in a dog attack at his home.

The verdict follows a two-week civil trial centred on an incident that took place at Brown’s Tarzana property in Los Angeles in December 2020.

Maria Avila sued the singer after she was mauled by Brown’s security dog, Hades, claiming the attack left her with life-changing injuries.

During emotional testimony, Avila told jurors she suffered severe wounds to her face and arm, permanent scarring and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I will never be the same again,” she told the court.

Avila described months of painful recovery and said the physical and emotional trauma has made it difficult to sleep, perform everyday activities and continue working as a housekeeper because she now fears dogs.

Brown also testified during the trial, telling jurors he heard the dog growling before rushing outside to find Avila lying face down and unresponsive.

The R&B star said he secured the dog and instructed a security guard to call emergency services before checking whether Avila was still breathing.

However, Brown acknowledged that he did not provide first aid, offer comfort or remain at the property until paramedics arrived. He testified that he left the scene before emergency crews reached the home, saying he did so on the advice of his manager.

Before the trial began, Brown admitted negligence under California’s dog-bite statute in a court filing.

However, he continued to dispute the extent of Avila’s injuries and argued that she bore some responsibility because she had gone outside alone.

During jury selection, Brown’s attorney accepted that Avila was entitled to compensation but argued there was disagreement over how much she should receive.

The jury ultimately sided with Avila, awarding her $13 million in damages.

The ruling marks the conclusion of one of the highest-profile civil cases involving the Grammy-winning singer in recent years.