Cesar Millan's Pit Bull Allegedly Mauled One Of Queen Latifah's Dogs To Death, Dog Trainer Tried To Cover Up The Incident: Report
Famed dog trainer Cesar Millan's pit bull not only allegedly attacked a promising gymnast, but also mauled one of Queen Latifah's dogs to death, according to a lawsuit.
Former gymnast Lidia Matiss is reportedly suing Millan after she was attacked by his dog, Junior, in 2017, which resulted in the end of her gymnastics career. Matiss' attorneys — Omar G. Qureshi and Brian M. Adesman — claimed Millan knew his dog had a history of being violent, yet regularly allowed the pup to roam free.
The documents, obtained by TMZ, alleged Junior had bitten several people in the past and mauled other dogs, including one owned by the Last Holiday star. Latifah (born Dana Elaine Owens) reportedly brought two of her dogs to Millan's Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita, Calif.
Matiss claimed Junior mauled one of Latifah's dogs to death, adding that Millan covered the incident up by having his staff tell the actress her dog was hit by a car and died.
As for Mattis' incident, she reportedly went to visit her mom — who worked for Millan — at her office building in Van Nuys, Calif., which is reportedly also owned by Millan.
According to the lawsuit, Matiss encountered Junior in the hallway, as the pit bull was roaming the halls unsupervised and off a leash. The dog allegedly lurched at her, repeatedly biting her legs, specifically her left calf.
Mattis was taken to the ER, per the report, and it was clear her injuries were severe. The "star gymnast" — as she was described as via the lawsuit — performed at a Level 10, which is the highest level in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Programs.
The attack resulted in the end of her gymnastics career, given that she could no longer compete because of the extreme pain she endured. Matiss cited that the bite left her not only impaired, wounded and disfigured, but also with physical and emotional pain.
Millan filed a response to the suit, insisting Matiss assumed the risk of being bitten because she knew of the danger his dog posed. The 52-year-old reportedly went so far as to claim she was negligent, but didn't explain how.
Matiss is suing for unspecified damages, it was reported. The lawsuit is ongoing.
