Chris Brown’s civil trial over a 2020 dog attack was suddenly derailed this week after a Los Angeles judge declared a mistrial when a juror was found to have investigated the case outside of court.
The lawsuit was filed by Maria Avila, who says one of Brown’s dogs attacked her in 2020, leaving her with serious injuries, including “disfigurement,” nerve damage and lasting emotional trauma. The case has been winding its way through the courts for years and now centers on the extent of Brown’s liability and the damages, if any, that Avila should receive.
Brown has acknowledged some responsibility for the attack itself, but he disputes parts of Avila’s version of what happened immediately afterward. Avila claims she did not receive proper help in the moments after she was injured, and says Brown remained nearby as the situation unfolded.
Brown claims he acted quickly by securing the animals and calling for medical attention.
On Tuesday, Judge Huey P. Cotton suspended the case after being told that a juror had conducted “outside research,” which court rules prohibit. Juries are required to consider only evidence presented in court.
The case is expected to resume soon. A new jury is set to be selected on Thursday, when Brown is due back in court.
