New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is confronting serious criminal charges, including felony strangulation, following a reported dispute with his former private chef. Police in Dedham, Massachusetts, confirmed the charges which became public after a court hearing on Tuesday, December 30.
The Allegations and Police Report
According to a police narrative filed in court, a woman reported to Dedham police on December 16 that an incident occurred two weeks prior. She stated that while working as Diggs's private chef, he entered her bedroom during a discussion about money and became angry.
The woman told officers that Diggs "smacked her across the face". When she tried to push him away, she alleges he "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck." Officer Kenneth J. Ellis wrote that the woman said she felt trouble breathing and thought she might black out.
The report states Diggs then threw her onto a bed and called her a liar when she said she had not been paid. The dispute centred on payment for a week in November when the chef had to leave while Diggs had houseguests.
Diggs's Defence and Team's Stance
Stefon Diggs's lawyer, David Meier, has vehemently denied all accusations. In an emailed statement, Meier said Diggs "categorically denies these allegations," describing them as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.
Meier suggested the timing was motivated by a financial disagreement, writing: "The timing and motivation for making the allegations is crystal clear: they are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction."
The New England Patriots have issued a statement of support for the 32-year-old player. "We support Stefon," the team said, indicating they are standing by him as the legal process unfolds.
Legal Process and Background
Diggs is formally charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. A court arraignment is scheduled for January 23.
The police report adds that the chef returned to the Dedham home on December 9 to collect her property. She was then referred to Diggs's assistant, who allegedly told her she must sign a non-disclosure agreement before receiving payment. She refused to sign.
Initially reluctant to press charges, the woman informed police last week she had changed her mind and wanted to proceed with criminal charges.
Diggs, who recently welcomed a son with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. He built his reputation as one of the NFL's top receivers with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills from 2018 to 2023, recording six straight 1,000-yard seasons.
His time with the Patriots began controversially when a social media video in May appeared to show him passing a bag of pink crystals to women on a boat. The NFL declined to comment on that incident, and Coach Mike Vrabel said the team would handle it internally.
