R&B star Chris Brown has been found legally responsible in a dog attack case involving his former housekeeper, Maria Avila, after a Los Angeles jury ruled he was liable for negligence linked to the incident.
The case stems from 2020, when Avila was reportedly taking out rubbish at his home and was attacked by a large security dog on the property.
Reports describe the animal as a powerful Caucasian Shepherd-type guard dog, kept on the premises for security rather than as a household pet.
According to court details, Avila suffered serious injuries to her face and arm, with lasting scarring and trauma that formed part of the damages claim.
Avila initially sued for around $90 million (about N$1.4 billion), but the jury ultimately awarded approximately $13 million (about N$214 million) in damages.
The ruling focused not on direct intent, but on negligence specifically, whether adequate care was taken to control a known dangerous animal on the property.
Brown’s team argued the animal belonged to his security staff and not him personally.
Testimony also revealed Brown didn’t call emergency services himself after the attack, reportedly fearing a “media circus”, with staff eventually stepping in instead.
Avila during the trial told the court she suffered severe scarring on her face and left arm, underwent surgery including skin grafts taken from her abdomen and has been unable to return to work as a housekeeper due to reduced arm strength and ongoing post-traumatic stress linked to the incident.
– IOL Entertainment
