Chris Brown forced to pay almost $13 million to housekeeper mauled by his dog

R&B hitmaker Chris Brown has been forced to pay $12.9 million in damages to his former housekeeper Maria Avila after she was mauled by his dog at his home in Tarzana, California. 

The incident occurred back in 2020 when Maria was attacked by Hades, a Caucasian shepherd used as a guard dog at the property. During the trial in Van Nuys, California, Maria revealed that she suffered serious injuries to both her arm and face, which resulted in sutures and skin grafts from her abdomen to her arm. Maria also explained that she has since experienced post-traumatic stress disorder and nerve damage.

Chris was present at his home on the day of the incident, but left once an ambulance had been called to avoid a "media circus, because of my status as an artist … so me just kind of staying away was advised". In court, the musician said the guard dog was necessary because "I get a lot of stalker-type situations".

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The singer admitted negligence but shared that he had warned both Maria and her sister, Patricica, not to go outside without asking him. However, Maria denied that this conversation had occurred. 

Although Maria initially sued Chris in 2021, the trial has only just finished. Patricia was also awarded $885,000 for emotional distress, and Maria's husband Oscar Olivo offered $50,000.

"After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client, Patricia. We are so happy for her and her family after everything they went through on that horrible day," Michael C Murphy Jr, a lawyer for Patricia, told Rolling Stone.

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Eight of Chris' 12 albums are certified platinum in the US and he is currently on a co-headlining tour with Usher, with stadium dates across the US and Canada.

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Chris Brown's criminal trials

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In 2009, the musician was arrested for physically assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service with a restraining order and five-year probation.

Chris was alleged to have assaulted music producer, Abraham Diaw, at a Mayfair members' club in 2023. He was arrested in 2025 and charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. He pleaded not guilty at Southwark crown court and the trial is set to begin on October 25.