Chris Brown offered $9.5m option instead of new trial over housekeeper’s injuries

Housekeeper Maria Avila must choose between accepting reduced damages or returning to court

Chris Brown could face a new trial focused on damages after a Los Angeles County judge ruled that a $12.9m jury award to his former housekeeper was excessive.

Judge Huey P Cotton issued the ruling on September 29 following the June trial involving Maria Avila, who was attacked by Brown’s Caucasian shepherd while working at his Tarzana home in 2020. The judge gave Avila a choice between accepting a reduced damages award of $9.5m or proceeding with a new trial limited to the amount of compensation she should receive.

The ruling did not overturn the original finding that Brown was liable for the incident. Brown had acknowledged some responsibility while arguing that Avila had been warned not to go outside alone because of the dog.

Avila described serious injuries from the attack, including facial disfigurement, scarring, vision problems and nerve damage. Judge Cotton said she should receive compensation for emotional distress and persistent pain, but found there was insufficient evidence to support the extent of permanent nerve damage reflected in the jury’s award.

The judge also rejected Brown’s argument that the trial had been unfair because jurors heard a reference to his past assault of Rihanna. The separate $855,000 award granted to Avila’s sister, who was also working at Brown’s home during the incident, remains intact.

Avila’s lawyer had not publicly confirmed which option she would choose at the time of the ruling. Brown’s legal team has previously taken steps to challenge the verdict.

The case has also affected Brown’s touring income. A judge previously allowed Avila to pursue a portion of his earnings from his co headlining R&B tour with Usher towards the judgment.

The latest order leaves the damages dispute unresolved while the original liability finding remains in place.