NFL Star Stefon Diggs Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Strangulation Charges
On Friday, Stefon Diggs, the 32-year-old wide receiver for the New England Patriots, entered a plea of not guilty to felony strangulation and other criminal charges stemming from an alleged altercation with his personal chef. The arraignment took place in Dedham District Court, Massachusetts, after being rescheduled from January 13 to February 13 to accommodate Diggs' participation in Super Bowl LX.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Statement
Following his plea, Mitchell Schuster, a member of Diggs' legal team, stated to TMZ, "We're confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated." A pre-trial hearing has been set for April 1, and the court has ordered Diggs to have no contact with the alleged victim as the case proceeds.
Details from the Police Report
According to a Dedham Police Department report made public in December 2025, the incident allegedly occurred when Diggs entered the unlocked bedroom of his personal chef to discuss a text exchange about unpaid wages. The report claims that the conversation quickly escalated, with Diggs allegedly smacking her across the face. When she attempted to push him away, he reportedly used the crook of his elbow to choke her from behind, causing her to experience difficulty breathing and near loss of consciousness.
The chef alleged that Diggs tightened his grip as she tried to free herself before throwing her onto the bed. He then made a comment similar to "thought so" and, when she reiterated that she had not been paid, responded with "lies" before leaving the room. The report noted that the chef had redness on her upper chest but did not document her injuries with photos. She identified Diggs by name, expressing hesitation to come forward due to his fame, leading to the filing of criminal complaints for assault and battery as well as strangulation or suffocation.
Diggs' Denial and Attorney's Response
In response to the allegations, Diggs' attorney told reporters on Friday that he "categorically denies these allegations," describing them as unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute. The case highlights the intersection of celebrity status and legal accountability, with further developments expected as the pre-trial hearing approaches in April.
