Chris Brown Moves to Block Rihanna References as $90M Dog Attack Trial Nears

With a high-stakes trial ahead, Chris Brown is asking a Los Angeles judge to keep one chapter of his past completely out of the courtroom.

The singer has filed a new legal motion urging the court to block any mention of his prior domestic violence case involving Rihanna during an upcoming civil trial tied to a separate lawsuit. The request comes as Brown prepares to face claims brought by sisters Patricia and Maria Avila, who previously worked as housekeepers at his Los Angeles home.

Maria Avila alleges she was seriously injured after being attacked by Brown’s dog, Hades, in December 2020. She claims the incident left her with permanent injuries and disfigurement, and she is seeking more than $90 million in damages. Brown has denied the allegations and maintains he was not negligent.

In court filings, Brown’s legal team argues that referencing his past relationship with Rihanna would unfairly bias the jury and distract from the actual issue at hand, which centers on the alleged dog attack. His attorneys describe any mention of prior domestic violence allegations as irrelevant, outdated, and highly prejudicial, stressing that those events have no connection to the current lawsuit.

The filings also push to exclude any discussion of Brown’s broader criminal history, stating it would only confuse jurors and skew their judgment. Brown has acknowledged past felony convictions during prior testimony, including the 2009 case involving Rihanna, but insists those matters should not factor into this trial.

As for the dog attack claim, Brown’s defense argues that Maria Avila provoked the animal and is responsible for her own injuries. With settlement talks stalled, the case is expected to head to trial later this year, setting the stage for a closely watched legal battle.