Chris Brown Seeks New Trial in $13M Dog Attack Case

Chris Brown and his company Black Pyramid LLC filed a notice in Los Angeles court on Friday, August 1, formally declaring their intention to request a new trial following a substantial judgment entered against them on July 16.

The filing challenges a jury verdict that held the singer liable for $12.9 million in damages after his 200-pound Caucasian shepherd named Hades attacked his housekeeper Maria Avila. The incident occurred on December 12, 2020, while Avila was emptying trash at Brown's Tarzana, California residence.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ.com, Brown's legal team presents multiple grounds for requesting a new trial. Their arguments include claims of irregularity in the proceedings that allegedly prevented their client from receiving a fair trial, assertions of jury misconduct, insufficient new findings that prove his innocence, and contentions that the damages awarded to the plaintiff were excessive.

The Los Angeles jury reached its decision earlier in July, determining that Brown bore responsibility for the vicious mauling his dog inflicted on Avila. The housekeeper sustained injuries to her arm and face that required dozens of sutures and skin grafts to repair. She also reported suffering nerve damage that has impaired her ability to work.

A hearing on Brown's notice of intention to move for a new trial is scheduled for September 22. During that proceeding, the judge will consider the arguments presented by Brown's legal team and determine how the case will proceed.

The timing of the hearing falls between performances on Brown's current concert tour. The singer is presently touring with Usher on "The R&B" tour, with the September 22 court date landing between scheduled shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.