A judge in Los Angeles, United States, has granted Maria Avila, a former housekeeper for Chris Brown, the right to have money from the artist’s royalties and tour income assigned to satisfy a nearly $13 million judgment over a guard dog attack.
Brown objected to the request, but the court approved it. He could still appeal the ruling.
Judgment breakdown#
Avila was awarded $12.9 million after suing Brown over the 2020 attack. She was taking out the trash when Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian Shepherd kept for home security, attacked her. The injuries included facial disfigurement, vision loss, and nerve damage that required skin grafts from her abdomen.
A two-week trial ended with a jury finding Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, liable for negligence. The court awarded:
- Maria Avila: $12.9 million
- Avila’s sister, who also worked at the residence: $885,000 for emotional distress
- Oscar Olivo, Avila’s husband: $50,000
Case background#
Brown denied wrongdoing during the trial. He testified that he bought the dog to guard his home against stalkers. He also said he did not call 911 when Avila was attacked, and that he left before paramedics arrived to avoid “a media circus.”
How the payment will work#
To ensure the judgment is paid, California law allows the court to reroute concert profits and royalties, which are non-wage income streams, to creditors before the money reaches the performer’s bank account.
