Chris Brown ordered to pay Sh1.68bn after dog mauled housekeeper

A Los Angeles jury has ordered singer Chris Brown to pay about $13 million (Sh1,679,730,000) after one of his dogs viciously attacked his housekeeper in 2020.

The incident reportedly happened outside the Grammy winner's home in Tarzana, Los Angeles, while housekeeper Maria Avila was taking out the trash.

According to Variety, she was allegedly mauled by Hades, a 200-pound Caucasian Shepherd.

After a two-week trial, the jury found the "Under the Influence" singer negligent and awarded Maria Sh1.7bn ($12.9 million) for her injuries, Sh114m ($885,000) to her sister, who witnessed the attack, and Sh6.4m ($50,000) to Maria's husband.

Evidence presented during the trial played a key role in the verdict.

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Variety reported that jurors heard Brown drove away for several hours after the attack instead of calling 911 or assisting the victim.

The "Sensational" singer said he left because he feared his presence would trigger a media frenzy if police arrived. He also claimed he had warned housekeepers not to go outside unless accompanied by security guards. However, the workers disputed that claim, saying they did not speak the same language as Brown, making such a conversation unlikely.

"The blood kind of freaked me out. I'm in shock," Brown told Rolling Stone, explaining why he left the scene.

The attack left Maria with permanent scars on her face and arm. Doctors had to use skin from her stomach for reconstructive surgery. Her daughter, Yoseline Espinoza, testified that Maria can no longer work as a housekeeper because of weakness in her arm and now suffers severe psychological trauma and a fear of dogs.

She told the court the attack completely changed her mother's personality, leaving her withdrawn and reluctant to appear in public.

"She's not the same. She used to have a spark in her. She always dressed up, had her makeup done, her hair done, everything. Now she doesn't take the time to do that. Her personality has changed. She doesn't like going out anymore. She doesn't even like to be in public settings. She doesn't like pictures. She doesn't like family outings. She doesn't want people to see her face," Yoseline said.

Although the judge barred jurors from hearing about Brown's 2009 assault conviction involving Rihanna, the singer still faces other legal troubles. He is scheduled to stand trial in London this October over an alleged nightclub assault.

Brown is currently touring the United States alongside fellow singer Usher.