Stefon Diggs, the star wide receiver for the New England Patriots, faces felony charges stemming from an alleged December confrontation with his private chef, according to a court motion in Dedham District Court on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old receiver is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with an incident on Dec. 2, according to court documents obtained by local media.
Court paperwork alleges that Diggs became angered during a dispute with his private chef over unpaid wages. The chef reportedly told Diggs she was owed a month's pay after being sent home for a week in November "because [Diggs] was having house guests.”
David Meier, Diggs's attorney, said in an emailed statement that "Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations," labeling them as uncorroborated and unsubstantiated.
He added that “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 statement continued: “We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary.”
Diggs, 32, signed a three-year, $69 million contract with New England during the offseason, which included $26 million guaranteed. The move came after he missed most of the 2024 campaign due to an ACL tear suffered while playing for the Houston Texans.
This season, Diggs has emerged as a reliable target for second-year Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, catching 82 passes for 970 yards and four touchdowns. His contributions have helped the team secure the AFC East title as the squad prepares for playoffs.
The 31-year-old's arrival in New England comes following a career journey that began with five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he spent four years establishing himself as one of the NFL’s elite receivers before being transferred to Houston and then New England. Between 2018 and 2023, Diggs achieved six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times.
Diggs is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 23, 2026—just two days before the AFC Championship Game.
When asked about his personal life in June following a social media video showing him appearing to pass a pink crystal substance to women aboard a boat, Diggs declined to elaborate.
Diggs is currently dating rapper Cardi B, who previously announced she was having a child with the wide receiver. Their baby was born in November.