Chris Brown is asking a judge to block references to his past assault of Rihanna from an upcoming civil trial. The request comes as he faces a lawsuit filed by a former housekeeper over a dog attack at his home.
Court filings show Brown’s legal team argues the 2009 incident is unrelated to the current case. They contend any mention could unfairly influence a jury.
The lawsuit centers on claims from a former employee who alleges she was seriously injured by a dog at Brown’s Los Angeles property in 2020. The woman claims Brown bears responsibility for the attack and its aftermath.
Brown has denied wrongdoing. He maintains the incident does not connect to his past legal history.
Legal fight over past conduct
In motions filed with the court, Brown’s attorneys argue that introducing evidence about the Rihanna assault would be prejudicial. They wrote that such references are “improper, irrelevant, and unduly prejudicial.”
The defense claims the 2009 case occurred more than a decade earlier. They say it has no bearing on whether Brown is liable for the alleged dog attack.
Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault against Rihanna following a highly publicized incident. He was sentenced to probation, counseling, and community service.
His legal team now seeks to prevent jurors from hearing about that case. They argue the trial should focus solely on the facts surrounding the housekeeper’s claims.
Plaintiff pushes back
The former housekeeper, identified in reports as Maria Avila, is opposing Brown’s request. Her legal team argues the past incident may be relevant in assessing credibility and conduct.
According to filings, she believes evidence of prior behavior could help establish a broader pattern. Her attorneys have asked the judge not to restrict references to Brown’s past.
The lawsuit alleges the dog attack caused serious injuries and emotional distress. It also claims Brown failed to ensure a safe working environment.
Brown has disputed those allegations. Reports indicate he claims the plaintiff may have provoked the dog involved in the incident.
Trial ahead
The judge has not yet ruled on whether the Rihanna incident will be excluded. Legal experts say such decisions often hinge on whether prior acts are deemed relevant to the case.
The outcome could shape how both sides present their arguments at trial. If allowed, the past assault could become a significant point of contention before the jury.
For now, the case highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding Brown. It also underscores the challenges courts face in balancing fairness with full disclosure.