ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Chris Brown attends Doo-Wop All R&B Soul Music Presents Breezy Bowl XX Official After Party Hosted by Chris Brown at The Dome Atlanta on October 3, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Chris Browns former housekeeper reportedly says she’ll accept a portion of the nearly $13 million settlement she was awarded after winning her dog attack lawsuit against the singer. Maria Avila reportedly agreed to accept less money after a judge gave her a choice between accepting a lower amount or going to trial over a damages dispute.
Maria Avila reportedly agreed to accept less money amid her $12.9 million settlement after winning her personal injury lawsuit against Brown following a dog attack, according to TMZ. Avila won the lawsuit in June 2026, but Brown and his lawyers argued that the settlement was excessive and filed a motion for a new trial.
On Tuesday, September 29, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Huey P. Cotton granted the motion and agreed that the sum was excessive, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The court reportedly found that:
“The jurys award to Maria Avila is excessive,” reads the ruling. In addition, the court cited there was “insufficient evidence” of the “extensive permanent nerve damage” and of “the value to future pain and suffering” from the attack.
Furthermore, the judge ruled that Avila could go to trial over the damages or accept $9.5 million. Avila reportedly agreed to accept the lower amount rather than go to trial.
The Shade Room previously reported that Avila was awarded $12.9 after winning her personal injury lawsuit in June 2026. The former housekeeper filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit after being attacked by Browns 200-pound dog, Hades. The shepherd attacked Avila outside Brown’s home in Tarzana, California, back in 2020. Avila was reportedly taking out the garbage when the dog attacked her.
During a two-week trial in Van Nuys, California, Brown testified about the incident, per Rolling Stone. He testified that he’d told Avila not to go outside without security because Hades was an unfriendly guard dog.
Brown said he heard Hades growl, and he ran out of the house to find Avila, bloody and lying outside his front door, motionless. He said he put the dog in a kennel and confirmed that Avila was still breathing before leaving the scene “in shock.”
“The blood kind of freaked me out, said Brown.
Avila was reportedly left with severe scarring on her forehead, under her eye, and left arm. Furthermore, she had skin-graft surgery on her left arm and has “raised and pitted skin.” Avila also testified that she has PTSD from the attack as well as nerve damage.
As per usual, Roomies had opinions on the matter on TSR’s Instagram page. The fan comments range from folks wishing Brown’s dog had attacked them to those agreeing that the settlement amount is excessive.
User @orijennal_art wrote, “$9.5M?! Shiiiiiid, bite me RIGHT NOW .”
User @lmhinfiniti added, “Theeeeeee best dog bite of all times!”
@kweenmocha joked, “$9.5 million wouldve had me become his dogs favorite chew toy .”
@tosic_chocolate added, “$9.5 million is still too much for a dog bite with no lasting effects of your everyday life. What attorney she got . Im trying to see something .”
@barber_gang_music replied, “9.5 it is, as a matter of fact just give me 9 .”
User @mostbeautiful8989 wrote, “I don’t blame her. And I would want it all upfront too. mattafac let’s go to the bank together.”
@frank_s_wade_ added, “Only in America can a dog bite turn into a $9.5 million retirement plan .”
User @tha_comment_police noted, “Either way the check cleared!! And miss mama aint gonna have to keep houses no more.”
