Singer-songwriter Chris Brown has been directed to pay nearly $13 million in damages to his former housekeeper following a severe dog attack at his residence in 2020. The Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Maria Avila, the housekeeper who was viciously attacked by Brown’s 90kg Caucasian shepherd named Hades, used for security purposes. As a result of the attack, Avila sustained serious injuries, including disfigurement of her face and arm, and mobility issues.
After a two-week trial, Brown and his company Black Pyramid LLC have been ordered to compensate Avila with $12.9 million for negligence. Avila’s sister, Patricia, who was present during the attack, was also awarded $885,000, while Avila’s husband, Oscar Olivo, received $50,000 in damages. Brown recounted discovering Avila covered in blood during the trial, expressing shock at the situation and his subsequent actions.
During the trial, Brown mentioned his initial reaction upon finding Avila injured, stating that the sight of blood startled him. He admitted to fleeing the scene on his manager’s advice, fearing a media frenzy if he was present during the police response. Brown justified owning the dog for security reasons, citing past encounters with threatening situations. Despite Brown’s warnings about the dogs not being friendly, Avila and her sister disputed having received such cautions, citing a language barrier.
