Chris Brown Ordered to Pay Former Housekeeper Over R200 Million After Dog Attack
American R&B star Chris Brown has been ordered to pay nearly US$12.9 million (approximately R212 million) to his former housekeeper after a jury found him liable for injuries she suffered during a dog attack at his California home.
The ruling follows a lengthy legal battle stemming from a 2020 incident in which Brown’s former employee, Maria Avila, was severely attacked by one of the singer’s dogs while carrying out her duties at his Tarzana residence.
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Housekeeper left with life-changing injuries
Avila told the court that she was emptying rubbish when she was mauled by a 90-kilogram Caucasian Shepherd. She sustained devastating injuries, including permanent facial disfigurement, extensive scarring, nerve damage and partial vision loss.
The lawsuit, filed in 2021, claimed the attack had a lasting impact on both her physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Jury awards additional compensation to family members
Following a two-week trial held in June, the jury awarded Avila compensation covering medical expenses, physical pain and emotional suffering.
Her sister, Patricia Avila, who was also working at the property when the attack occurred, was awarded US$885,000 (around R14.5 million) for emotional distress. Patricia’s husband, Oscar Olivo, was granted a further US$50,000 (about R818,000).
Brown admitted partial responsibility
During the proceedings, Brown testified that he was preparing to take a shower when he heard the dog growling. He said he rushed outside and found Avila seriously injured.
According to his testimony, seeing the amount of blood left him shocked.
Before the trial began, Brown acknowledged partial responsibility for negligence but disputed the severity of Avila’s injuries. He also argued that she shared some responsibility for the incident.
Lawyer welcomes verdict
Avila’s attorney, Nancy Doumanian, praised the jury’s decision, describing it as an important step toward justice for her client.
She said the jury rejected claims that Avila was to blame for the attack and instead recognised the serious and lasting harm she had endured.
Doumanian added that while the financial award could not undo the trauma suffered by her client, the verdict ensured accountability and acknowledged the profound impact the attack had on Avila’s life.