Dominique Bridgett is suing Ne-Yo, legally named Shaffer Chimere Smith, for negligence, saying his dog bit her leg during a package delivery at his Georgia home on July 12, 2025, leaving her with what her complaint describes as severe bodily injury, pain, shock and distress.
The seven-page complaint alleges Smith knew the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and failed to secure it before Bridgett arrived; she says she did nothing to provoke the attack.
Under Georgia law, an owner can be held liable for careless management of a dangerous animal when the animal had a known dangerous tendency, and a failure to follow local restraint laws can also weigh into a case, according to HotNewHipHop's reporting on the statute.
Bridgett says she has already spent $9,039.50 on medical treatment and is seeking further compensation for pain, emotional suffering and a diminished ability to enjoy her life; the complaint does not specify a total amount sought.
The case follows a costlier verdict against fellow R&B artist Chris Brown, whom a California jury ordered to pay $12.9 million to former housekeeper Maria Avila after finding him and his company liable for a security dog attack at his home in 2020, though HotNewHipHop notes the cases are unrelated and were filed in different states.
Ne-Yo has not publicly responded to Bridgett's allegations. The suit is unrelated to Ne-Yo's standing in R&B and soul.
The facts
- A woman says Ne-Yo's dog mauled her while she was making a delivery
- The suit claims he failed to restrain the dog
- It alleges he knew the dog had shown aggressive behavior
- Bridgett says she has spent $9,039.50 on medical treatment
- The complaint names Ne-Yo by his legal name, Shaffer Chimere Smith
- Chris Brown was ordered to pay $12.9 million to housekeeper Maria Avila in an unrelated case
- Ne-Yo has not publicly responded
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