New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is confronting serious legal trouble after his personal chef accused him of a physical assault at his home near Boston. The 32-year-old NFL star, who is also the partner of rapper Cardi B, has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
The Alleged Incident and Police Report Details
According to an incident report provided to the Daily Mail, the alleged assault occurred on December 2 at Diggs' residence in the Boston suburb of Dedham. The chef told police that a dispute over unpaid wages escalated, leading to a confrontation.
The accuser stated that Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom, grabbed her from behind, and "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck." She reported fearing she "could have blacked out" before being thrown onto a bed. The woman initially hesitated to identify Diggs to authorities "due to his fame," the report notes.
The chef began working for Diggs around July 20, with employment intended to last through the NFL season. She claimed payments agreed as weekly wire transfers became monthly, causing friction. She also alleges she is still owed a month's pay and that she was told to leave the property for a week in early November without financial assistance for travel, yet expected payment for that time.
Legal Defence and Team Stance
Diggs has categorically denied the allegations to the Patriots. One of his attorneys, David Meier, released a statement labelling the claims as "unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated - because they did not occur."
The New England Patriots organisation has issued a statement confirming they are aware of the accusations and support Diggs. "Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations," the statement read. "We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary."
An NFL spokesperson acknowledged the league is "aware of the matter and have been in contact with the club," but offered no further comment. Defence attorney Michael DiStefano revealed in Dedham District Court on Tuesday that Diggs has made a financial offer to settle the dispute with the accuser, whose identity remains private. A motion to impound the police report was rejected.
Dave Portnoy's Controversial Defence
Barstool Sports founder and lifelong Patriots fan Dave Portnoy vigorously defended Diggs in a near three-minute social media video. He repeatedly invoked the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and tied the team's support to a broader sense of moral character.
"What team won the first Super Bowl after 9/11, that brought this country together and stood up for everything great about this country? The Patriots," Portnoy argued. "I also know no team has taken the higher road, had better moral integrity than the New England Patriots."
Portnoy also suggested that those without personal chefs should not comment, questioning the timeline of the wage dispute. "I find it peculiar that a personal chef can have all of these back wages owed and still be cooking," he said.
What Happens Next?
Stefon Diggs is scheduled for arraignment on January 23, just days before the AFC Championship game. The Patriots have already secured a playoff berth. His status for the team's final regular-season game against the Miami Dolphins remains unchanged.
The case adds a significant off-field distraction for the Patriots as they enter the postseason, placing the organisation's stated commitment to supporting their player under intense public scrutiny.
