Chris Brown’s ex-housekeeper, Maria Avila, has won another round in her effort to collect the $13 million judgment she secured against the singer. A Los Angeles judge has ruled that money Brown earns from his tour with Usher, along with royalties and other income, can be redirected toward satisfying the debt. Brown had fought Avila’s request, arguing that her attempt to claim his present and future earnings went too far under the law.
Chris Brown’s Ex-Housekeeper Can Pursue His Tour Earnings
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the judge granted Avila’s request to assign money from Brown’s royalties and tour income toward the judgment she won following a trial over a 2020 dog attack at his Los Angeles property. Brown formally objected to the collection effort. His legal team argued that Avila’s request to redirect his current and future income, including money from his tour and royalties, was overly broad and went beyond what she could legally collect.
The judge was not persuaded by Brown’s argument, according to TMZ. It remains unclear whether the singer will seek reconsideration or appeal the decision. Brown has been touring with Usher on The R&B Tour, which includes 33 performances scheduled between June and December. The latest ruling means some of the income generated from that work could now go toward satisfying Avila’s judgment.
Jury Awarded Avila $13 Million After Dog Attack
The financial dispute stems from an incident at Brown’s Los Angeles-area home in 2020. Avila said she was attacked by a large dog while working at the property and taking out the trash. Her sister, Patricia Avila, who also worked at Brown’s home, initially filed a separate lawsuit over the emotional distress she said she suffered after witnessing the attack.
During Maria’s trial, Brown denied responsibility and testified that the dog belonged to his head of security, who also lived at the property. Brown said the animal had been there for six to eight months and was kept as a guard dog. He also testified that he had warned Maria about entering the backyard. While disputing that he was legally responsible, Brown told the court, “I’m not 100% responsible for it, but I accept what happened.”
The Grammy Award winner explained that security was a significant concern at his home because he had experienced “break-ins” and “stalker situations.” He told the court that people had previously entered his property without permission, “so we have a security problem due to my celebrity status.” A jury ultimately found Brown liable and awarded Maria $13 million in damages in June. She had sought $90 million.
Brown Testified About His Actions After the Incident
Brown also gave the jury his account of what happened immediately after the attack. He testified that he was upstairs when he heard growling and went outside, where he found Maria lying face down in the driveway. The singer acknowledged that he did not personally call 911 because he worried the recording could reach the media. Instead, he said he contacted his business manager and asked that person to make the call.
“But I stayed beside her to check to make sure she was okay,” Brown testified. He denied immediately leaving Maria after the incident, saying he remained with her until security arrived. The 37-year-old also testified that he drove around afterward and was unaware that police wanted to speak with him.
After winning the verdict, Maria sought access to Brown’s financial information as part of her effort to collect the judgment. The latest ruling gives her another avenue to pursue the money she is owed, potentially putting a portion of the singer’s tour and royalty income within reach.
