New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges after his former private chef accused him of physical assault during a financial dispute. Diggs and his lawyer vehemently deny the allegations, claiming they are financially motivated, while the Patriots have expressed support for their star player.
New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery following allegations made by his former private chef. The charges surfaced after a court hearing in Dedham, Massachusetts, with an arraignment scheduled for January 23. Diggs' lawyer, David Meier, has issued a strong denial, stating that Diggs 'categorically denies these allegations,' describing them as 'unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.' Meier suggests the timing and motivation for the allegations are directly linked to an unresolved 'employee-employer financial dispute.' The Patriots organization has also publicly supported Diggs, stating, 'We support Stefon.' According to a police narrative, the chef reported to the Dedham Police Department on December 16 that approximately two weeks prior, during a dispute over money, Diggs allegedly entered her bedroom, 'smacked her across the face,' and then 'tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.' She described feeling like she had trouble breathing and could have blacked out. The chef also claims Diggs threw her on a bed. The financial dispute reportedly stemmed from the chef seeking payment for a week in November. She left her position and home but returned on December 9 to retrieve belongings, at which point she was told she needed to sign a non-disclosure agreement to be paid, which she refused. The chef was initially reluctant to file charges but changed her mind last week. Diggs, 32, is a highly decorated NFL player, known for his success with Minnesota and Buffalo, and is a key player for the Patriots, helping them clinch the AFC East title. This incident follows a previous off-field controversy in May involving a video of Diggs passing what appeared to be pink crystals on a boat, which the Patriots handled internally.
