Chris Brown ordered to pay $13M after jury finds him liable in housekeeper's dog attack lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Chris Brown has suffered a major legal setback after a California jury ordered him to pay nearly $13 million to his former housekeeper in a civil lawsuit stemming from a dog attack at his Los Angeles home. 

The verdict concludes a legal battle that began several years ago and has once again placed the singer under public scrutiny. The case centered on whether Brown could be held legally responsible for the injuries despite disputing ownership of the dog involved.

Avila alleged she was mauled by a Caucasian Shepherd, while disposing of trash outside Brown's California residence, leaving her with serious injuries.

Chris Brown to pay millions in damages to ex-housekeeper

A California jury ruled that Brown is liable for injuries suffered by his former housekeeper, Maria Avila, during a dog attack at his property and awarded her nearly half a million in damages. According to Billboard, a California jury delivered the verdict finding Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, liable for negligence. 

Avila was awarded approximately $12.9 million in damages, her attorney, Michael C Murphy Jr, confirmed. In addition, Avila's sister, Patricia Avila, who was working at the property during the attack, received $885,000 for emotional distress, while Avila's husband, Oscar Olivo was awarded $50,000.

Speaking to the publication, Murphy said, “After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client, Patricia. We are so happy for her and her family after everything they went through on that horrible day. It was an honor to represent her.”

After a two-week trial, the jury ruled in favor of Avila, finding Brown liable for the attack.

When was Chris Brown case first launched?

The legal battle began in 2021, when a former housekeeper sued Brown over a dog attack that allegedly took place on December 12, 2020, at his California home. 

Avila sought $90 million in damages, claiming she was severely injured after being mauled by Hades, a 200-pound Shepherd. After years of legal proceedings, including a mistrial in mid-June 2026, the case concluded on June 30, 2026. 

During the trial, Brown argued that Hades was a security dog and not his personal pet. Jurors also heard testimony about Brown's actions immediately after the attack. 

According to court proceedings, Brown did not personally call 911 and left the property before first responders arrived, saying he feared his involvement would trigger a "media circus."

Brown later testified that he had been preparing to shower when he heard the dog growling and ran outside, where he found his housekeeper badly injured.  Recalling the scene, he said, "The blood kind of freaked me out.”

Explaining why he left before police arrived, Brown testified, “I’m in shock,” adding that he followed his manager's advice to leave the scene.