A jury in the United States has ruled that the singer Chris Brown must pay nearly 13 million dollars to a former housekeeper who was mauled by his dog. The decision closes a civil trial that centered on an attack at the artist's home in California.
The housekeeper, Maria Avila, testified that she was attacked by a 200-pound dog while she was emptying the trash. The incident dates back to 2020 and left her with serious injuries that required medical treatment.
According to the account presented in court, she was left with severe scarring, including to her face and one arm, along with limited mobility. Surgeons had to graft skin to help repair the damage caused by the attack.
The award, set at close to 13 million dollars against Brown and his company, was intended to cover physical and emotional suffering as well as medical expenses. Additional, smaller amounts were granted to her sister, who was also present, and to her husband.
In his defense, Brown had admitted some responsibility before the trial began. He also testified that he had warned the workers about the dogs and told them to go outside only when security staff were present.
The housekeepers, however, disputed that version, saying no such conversation had taken place. Brown further testified that his security team had purchased the dog and that he had left the home for several hours after the attack, at his manager's direction.
There was no immediate reaction from Brown's team to the verdict, and the singer is currently on tour. The outcome underscores how liability for injuries caused by animals can fall on owners, even in high-profile cases.