R&B singer Chris Brown has been ordered to pay $13 million to his former housekeeper, Maria Avila, who was severely injured in a dog attack in 2020. Avila won her lawsuit against Brown, whom she accused of negligence when his 200-pound Caucasian Shepherd attacked her at his Tarzana, California home.
Avila was reportedly taking out the trash when the incident occurred. The dog ripped out "large chunks of her skin" and caused facial disfigurement, according to Billboard. She also sustained an arm injury that has resulted in mobility issues. Avila's husband, Oscar Olivo, and her sister, Patricia, who were also present when the attack happened, were awarded $50,000 and $885,000 respectively.
During the trial, Brown testified that he discovered Avila "motionless and in a lot of blood" after the mauling. He stated that he left the scene before first responders arrived, allegedly on his manager's advice, to avoid a media frenzy. Brown also claimed the attack was partly Avila's fault, asserting she had been warned about the dogs and was instructed to go outside only when escorted by security. Avila denied these allegations.
Brown reportedly acquired the dogs for security purposes due to "stalker-type situations." Patricia's attorney, Michael C. Murphy Jr., expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, "After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client, Patricia."
This legal case adds to a series of recent legal challenges for the artist. In May 2025, Brown was arrested in connection with an alleged assault where he reportedly hit music producer Abe Diaw in the head with a tequila bottle in 2023. Diaw filed a lawsuit against Brown in 2023, alleging "severe and lasting injuries."