Chris Brown Claims Talk of Rihanna Assault in Court Screwed Him in $13 Million Judgment

Chris Brown is asking for a new trial after a court awarded nearly $13 million in damages to his former housekeeper, Maria Avila. According to court filings reviewed by TMZ, Brown blames the judge for allowing the jury to hear testimony about his 2009 felony domestic violence conviction involving Rihanna. The singer argues the prior conviction—17 years old at the time—was introduced despite his request to exclude it because it had no connection to the dog-bite case and could prejudice jurors. Avila sued after an alleged attack by a dog at Brown’s Los Angeles home. A judge has not yet ruled on his motion.