Chris Brown Cites Usher Tour, Nevada Residence in Bid to Avoid $12.9M Debtor Examination

Chris Brown has reportedly asked a Los Angeles court to reject a request that he attend a judgment-debtor examination in Van Nuys, citing his Nevada residence and ongoing stadium tour with Usher as former housekeeper Maria Avila seeks to enforce a $12.9 million (£9.5 million) judgment against him.

Brown filed a motion and accompanying declaration on 27 August challenging the proposed examination, according to TMZ and Complex, which reported on the court documents. The dispute follows a Los Angeles jury's June verdict finding Brown and his company, Black Pyramid LLC, liable over a 2020 dog attack that seriously injured Avila while she was working at his Tarzana property. The jury awarded her approximately $12.9 million in damages.

Chris Brown Challenges Debtor Examination

The proposed judgment-debtor examination is part of Avila's efforts to collect the money awarded by the jury. Such examinations allow judgment creditors to question debtors about their finances, including income, bank accounts, employment and property that could potentially be used to satisfy a judgment.

Brown, however, argues that the examination should not proceed as proposed.

According to Complex, the singer states in his declaration that he lives in Nevada, more than 150 miles from the Van Nuys courthouse. He also cites the demands of his current tour with Usher, with his filing reportedly saying that his 'ongoing travel' makes Avila's request particularly difficult.

California court guidance states that a person sought for a debtor examination generally must live or own a business within 150 miles of the court where the examination will take place. If the person lives or does business farther away, the creditor may have to seek the examination in the appropriate county instead.

Whether those rules prevent Avila from requiring Brown to appear in Van Nuys will be for the court to determine based on the circumstances of the case.

Usher Tour Cited in Court Filing

Brown is currently co-headlining The R&B Tour with Usher, a 33-date North American stadium run produced by Live Nation.

The tour began in Denver on 26 June and is scheduled to continue through December, with upcoming September performances in Las Vegas, Dallas, Los Angeles and Glendale. Live Nation's announced schedule includes shows at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on 5 and 6 September and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 25 and 26 September.

Brown's declaration also reportedly refers to discussions about extending his touring commitments with additional dates. Those discussions, however, should not be considered confirmed performances unless formally announced.

The tour schedule is an additional argument in Brown's filing rather than an established legal exemption from attending a debtor examination.

Brown Denies Concealing Assets

Brown also reportedly denies concealing or fraudulently transferring assets to prevent Avila from enforcing the judgment.

TMZ, citing the filing, reported that Brown argues there is no evidence that he moved or hid assets to avoid payment. That claim represents Brown's position in the litigation and has not been presented as a judicial finding.

Avila's pursuit of information about Brown's finances likewise does not, by itself, establish that assets have been concealed. Debtor examinations are a recognised post-judgment mechanism for obtaining information about a debtor's earnings and property.

The court has separately required Brown to provide information about sources of income, according to TMZ. The outlet reported on 27 August that a judge rejected Brown's request for additional time to disclose information including concert compensation, appearance fees, merchandise income and YouTube revenue.

Brown Seeks New Trial Over $12.9M Verdict

The collection dispute is unfolding while Brown separately challenges the jury verdict itself.

The underlying lawsuit arose from a December 2020 attack involving a Caucasian shepherd at Brown's Tarzana residence. Avila suffered serious injuries to her face and arm, according to evidence presented in the case. A Los Angeles jury ultimately found Brown and Black Pyramid liable and awarded Avila $12.9 million.

Brown has since sought a new trial, arguing among other things that aspects of the proceedings unfairly prejudiced the jury. A hearing on that request has been reported as scheduled for 22 September.

His challenge to the verdict is distinct from the current dispute over Avila's efforts to enforce the judgment.

Brown's 27 August filing does not establish that he is legally excused from appearing for the proposed examination. It sets out his arguments over why the proceeding should not take place in Van Nuys as requested.

The court must now determine how California's debtor-examination rules apply to Brown's circumstances as Avila continues pursuing post-judgment collection remedies.

IBTimes UK has not independently obtained Brown's 27 August filing. Details of the motion and declaration are based on published reports by TMZ and Complex citing the court documents.