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Chris Brown’s legal battle over a 2020 dog attack is moving into a new phase.
Maria Avila, the former housekeeper who won a $12.9 million jury award against Brown, is now seeking to collect the judgment from his income. Her request could potentially reach earnings from Brown’s ongoing tour with Usher, as well as royalties, residuals and other entertainment-related payments.
The latest development comes weeks after a Los Angeles jury found Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, liable for negligence in connection with the attack at his Tarzana, California, home.
Chris Brown Faces $13.8 Million Judgment
The incident happened in December 2020, when Avila was working as a housekeeper at Brown’s home.
According to court records and reporting from the Los Angeles Times, Avila went into the backyard to empty a vacuum when she encountered Brown’s Caucasian shepherd, Hades. The dog attacked her, causing serious injuries to her face, arm and leg. She was hospitalized and underwent multiple surgeries.
After a two-week trial, a Los Angeles jury found Brown and Black Pyramid LLC liable.
Avila was awarded $12.9 million for damages that included medical expenses and emotional distress. Her sister, Patricia Avila, who was present during the incident, received $885,000 for emotional distress.
Maria’s husband, Oscar Olivo, was also awarded $50,000.
Together, the awards total approximately $13.8 million.
Brown disputed aspects of the allegations during the trial, including the extent of Avila’s injuries. He also testified that he had warned the sisters about going outside without an escort because of the security dogs. The sisters disputed that such a warning had been given.
Maria Avila Wants Access to Chris Brown’s Income
Now, Avila is pursuing the money awarded by the jury.
According to reports, her legal team has asked a Los Angeles court for access to Brown’s financial records and information about his income. The request includes earnings connected to his current North American stadium tour with Usher.
Avila is also seeking information about other potential income streams, including royalties and residuals.
The goal is to identify assets or payments that could potentially be used to satisfy the judgment.
However, it is important to note that the court has not automatically ordered Brown’s tour earnings or royalties to be handed over to Avila. She is asking the court for collection tools and financial information as she attempts to enforce the judgment.
Chris Brown Is Currently Touring With Usher
The collection effort comes while Brown remains active professionally.
That tour has become one of the income sources Avila is reportedly seeking information about as she attempts to recover the money awarded in court.
The legal dispute also adds to a complicated period for Brown, who is facing another legal matter in the United Kingdom related to an alleged 2023 nightclub incident. He has pleaded not guilty in that case, with trial proceedings expected later this year.
For now, the focus in the California case is on collecting the civil judgment.
After years of litigation over the 2020 attack, Avila is seeking to turn the jury’s award into an actual payment.
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Source: Los Angeles Times, The Guardian and reports on the judgment collection effort.
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