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Chris Brown Seeks New Trial And Toss Of $12.9M Dog Attack Verdict

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Singer Chris Brown filed a legal notice in Los Angeles on Friday, August 1, 2026, requesting that a judge toss a $12.9 million verdict and grant a new trial in a high-profile civil lawsuit. The filing was submitted by Brown's legal team in Los Angeles Superior Court following a judgment entered on July 16, 2026. The underlying civil case stems from an incident on December 12, 2020, at Brown's residence in Tarzana, California. According to court records, Brown's 200-pound Caucasian shepherd named Hades attacked his housekeeper, Maria Avila, while she was emptying trash on the property. Avila sustained severe injuries to her arm and face that required dozens of sutures and skin grafts, leaving her with permanent nerve damage that affected her ability to work. Earlier in July 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, legally liable for the attack and ordered them to pay $12.9 million in damages to Avila. In the newly filed motion, Brown’s attorneys argued multiple grounds for a retrial. The legal team cited procedural irregularities that allegedly prevented a fair trial, claims of jury misconduct, an absence of supporting findings, and what they characterized as an excessive award of damages granted to the plaintiff.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

On Dec 12, 2020, Singer's 200-pound Caucasian shepherd mauled housekeeper in Tarzana home.
On May 12, 2021, Housekeeper Maria Avila filed formal civil negligence lawsuit against singer.
On Jun 1, 2026, Initial civil trial declared mistrial due to independent juror research violations.
On Jun 30, 2026, Los Angeles jury found singer and company liable for negligence.
On Jul 1, 2026, Court announced $12.9 million damages verdict awarded to Maria Avila.
On Jul 16, 2026, Formal civil judgment entered in Los Angeles Superior Court records.
On Aug 1, 2026, Legal team filed official motion requesting new trial and verdict dismissal.
On Aug 15, 2026, Court expects preliminary opposition briefs filed by plaintiff legal counsel.
On Sep 10, 2026, Judge hears oral arguments regarding post-trial retrial motions in court.
On Oct 15, 2026, Appellate escalation likely if judge denies new trial motion request.

News Intelligence

Singer seeks trial toss over multi-million dollar liability judgment.
Appellate courts may review procedural limits on civil damage awards.
Housekeepers, legal defense teams, and civil litigants nationwide.
Prioritise official court filings over celebrity gossip channel commentary.