New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs ordered to stay away from alleged chef after he pleads not guilty to assault charges

Trigger Warning: This story contains disturbing details related to assault.

On Friday, Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and other criminal charges from an alleged dispute with his personal chef. The 32-year-old wideout appeared before a judge in Dedham District Court, Massachusetts. The arraignment was set for Jan. 13 but moved to Feb. 13 after the Super Bowl LX so Diggs could play in the NFL championship game.

After his plea, Mitchell Schuster, part of Diggs’ legal team, told TMZ, “We’re confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated.” A pre-trial hearing is set for April 1, and Diggs has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Stefon Diggs’ full incident report from Dedham Police Department

According to the Dedham Police Department report made public in December 2025, Stefon Diggs’ personal chef alleged that the man she worked for entered her unlocked bedroom to discuss an ongoing text exchange about money owed to her.

As soon as they began talking, it apparently angered him. He then smacked her across the face. She tried to push him away, but he tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.

He was behind her with his arm wrapped around her. She felt like she had trouble breathing and could have blacked out. As she tried to pry his arm away, he tightened his grip.

Then he threw her onto the bed. He said something that sounded similar to “thought so.” She told him she still had not been paid, but he said, ‘lies’ and walked out of the room.

The reporting officer asked if she had documented her injuries, she said she had some redness on her upper chest, but she said she did not take any photos. After this question, she disclosed the man’s name as DIGGS, Stefon, who currently plays for the New England Patriots of the NFL.

The report mentioned, “Due to his fame, she was hesitant to come forward with this.” Based on her statement, a criminal complaint with assault and battery and strangulation or suffocation charges was filed.

Diggs’ attorney told reporters on Friday that he “categorically denies these allegations,” calling them unsubstantiated and motivated by a financial dispute.


Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.