Chris Brown Gets $12.9M Dog Attack Judgment Reduced, But Case Isn’t Over

A nearly $13 million verdict against Chris Brown is getting cut, but not erased. Los Angeles County Judge Huey P. Cotton ruled Tuesday that the $12.9 million awarded to former housekeeper Maria Avila was excessive, giving her a choice between accepting $9.5 million or returning to court for a new trial focused solely on damages. Avila’s attorney has not publicly said which option she plans to take.

The ruling gives Brown part of what his legal team sought after challenging the June verdict, but the judge rejected his attempt to undo the case. Cotton found that Brown received a fair trial and was not improperly prejudiced by jurors hearing a reference to his past assault of Rihanna. He instead focused on the size of Avila’s award, finding insufficient evidence to support the extent of permanent nerve damage presented at trial while still recognizing her persistent pain and emotional distress.

Avila was working at Brown’s Tarzana home in December 2020 when his Caucasian shepherd, Hades, attacked her. She testified that the mauling left her with severe injuries and lasting facial disfigurement, while Brown argued that he had warned her not to go outside alone because of the dog. A jury ultimately awarded Avila $12.9 million following the June trial.

Cotton’s new order does not disturb the separate $855,000 award given to Avila’s sister, who was also working at the home when the attack occurred. Brown’s attorneys have already taken steps to appeal the verdict, while Avila’s legal team has separately pursued his income to collect the judgment. A judge previously allowed money from Brown’s tour earnings to be directed toward satisfying what he owed.

The next move now belongs to Avila. Accepting $9.5 million would bring the damages fight closer to an end, while rejecting the reduction would send that portion of the case before another jury.