LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles jury found singer Chris Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, liable for $12.9 million in damages to housekeeper Maria Avila on June 30, 2026. The jury determined Brown and his company were negligent in an incident involving a dog attack at his Tarzana, California residence in December 2020.

Maria Avila was attacked by a 200-pound Caucasian shepherd named Hades while emptying trash outside the home. She sustained severe scarring on her face and left arm, requiring surgeons to graft skin from her abdomen to repair her arm. Maria Avila testified that she will never be the same again due to the injuries, which have limited her mobility and prevented her from returning to work as a housekeeper.

Patricia Avila was awarded $885,000 for emotional distress. Oscar Olivo was awarded $50,000 in damages. Michael C. Murphy Jr., an attorney representing Patricia Avila, stated, "After more than five years of litigating against Chris Brown, we are thrilled that we were able to get justice for our client, Patricia." He added, "We are so happy for her and her family after everything they went through on that horrible day." Murphy also said, "It was an honor to represent her."

During the trial, Maria Avila testified in Spanish with an interpreter. Brown testified that he left the scene before first responders arrived because he feared a "media circus." He also testified he did not personally call 911 following the incident. Brown stated that the sight of blood from the attack "kind of freaked me out" and that he was "in shock."

Brown claimed Hades was kept for security purposes and was not his personal pet. He testified that he had warned Maria Avila and her sister about the dogs and instructed them to only go outside with security present. However, Maria Avila and Patricia Avila denied having any conversation with Brown regarding warnings about the dogs. Brown also testified that he did not ask his security to preserve home surveillance video from the incident. Testimony regarding Brown's 2009 felony conviction for assault was barred from the trial. Brown began a co-headlining tour with Usher four days before the verdict was delivered.