A Los Angeles jury has ordered R&B singer Chris Brown to pay $12.9 million (£9.7 million) in damages after his housekeeper was severely mauled by his security dog. The verdict, delivered in LA Superior Court, found Brown and his company Black Pyramid LLC negligent in the 2020 attack.
Housekeeper's Life-Altering Injuries
Maria Avila, who worked as Brown's housekeeper, testified that she was attacked by a 90kg Caucasian shepherd named Hades while emptying bins at Brown's Tarzana, California home. Speaking in Spanish, Avila described how the dog ripped off "large chunks of her skin," leaving her with facial disfigurement, limited mobility, scarring, vision loss, and nerve damage.
Avila's attorney argued that the attack was preventable and that Brown failed to provide adequate warnings or safety measures. The jury agreed, awarding Avila compensation for her medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
Brown's Actions After the Attack
According to court testimony, Brown did not call emergency services after the attack. Instead, he fled the scene, reportedly "freaked out" by the blood and fearing a "media circus" if his voice was heard on a 911 call. Brown claimed he heard the dog growling while upstairs and found Avila lying motionless. "The blood kind of freaked me out," he said, adding that he was "in shock" and followed his manager's advice to leave, leaving staff to attend to Avila.
Disputed Warnings and Language Barrier
Brown admitted some culpability before the trial but disputed the extent of Avila's injuries. He argued that he had warned her the dogs were "not friendly" and used for security purposes only. However, Avila denied that any such discussion took place, citing a language barrier that made such a conversation unlikely. The jury sided with Avila, finding Brown's warnings insufficient.
Brown's Legal Troubles Continue
Chris Brown, currently touring the US with Usher, faces additional legal challenges. He is due to stand trial in the UK later this year over an alleged nightclub attack on a music producer with a bottle in 2023. The Daily Star has contacted Brown's representatives for comment on the latest verdict.
