Chris Brown's civil dog-mauling trial came to a halt on Tuesday when a Los Angeles judge declared a mistrial over juror misconduct — as the R&B star was about to take the stand.
Judge Huey P. Cotton issued the declaration from the bench: "Unfortunately, one of the jurors has violated my admonitions against searching the internet for information, and not only that, but he also shared it, and as a consequence, I have to declare a mistrial."
The court immediately began jury selection from a pool already assembled downstairs. Brown's lawyer revealed the musician needed to leave that evening for a flight to Las Vegas to visit his newborn son. Judge Cotton granted the request, ordering Brown to return Thursday morning to begin testimony with the new jury.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Brown's former housekeeper, Maria Avila, after his security dog mauled her on December 12, 2020, as she stepped outside to take out the trash. Avila says the attack left her with permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, and vision loss, claiming the dog tore flesh and bone from her face and arm while she "screamed in terror."
During jury selection on Monday, Brown's legal team announced the singer was accepting partial responsibility after years of contesting the allegations. The trial will now focus on damages and compensation amounts rather than whether the attack occurred.
Avila's lawsuit also names her sister Patricia, who claims witnessing her bloodied sibling caused her emotional trauma, and Avila's husband, who is seeking loss of consortium damages.
Brown welcomed an April baby with partner Jada Wallace.
