Chris Brown has been ordered to pay $13 million (£9.8 million) in damages to the housekeeper who was mauled by a security dog on his property.
A California jury ruled in Maria Avila’s favour over the incident that took place in December 2020, Billboard reports.
Avila gave emotional testimony at the two-week trial, breaking down on the witness stand as she described the mauling at Brown’s home in the Tarzana neighbourhood of Los Angeles.
She said the attack left her with severe injuries to her arm and face, extensive scarring, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
“I will never be the same again,” she told jurors.
Avila described a gruelling recovery and testified that the lasting effects make it hard for her to sleep and carry out basic daily tasks. The attack also left her afraid of dogs, effectively ending her career as a housekeeper.
Brown testified as the first witness at the trial. He told jurors he heard the dog, Hades, growling outside and rushed downstairs to find Avila face down and motionless on the ground.
He locked up the dog, called out to his security guard to summon help, and bent down to make sure Avila was breathing. He acknowledged he didn’t touch Avila, offer her water, bring her a towel, or give her any comfort.
Brown said he left his property before paramedics arrived, allegedly at his manager’s suggestion.
Before the trial, the Under the Influence singer admitted negligence under California’s dog-bite statute in a court filing. He continued to dispute the extent of Avila’s injuries and claimed she was partly at fault for going outside alone.
Brown’s lawyer acknowledged during jury selection that Avila was entitled to some damages but said there was a “difference of opinion” over the amount.
