New England Patriots wide receiver accused of slapping and attempting to choke employee during pay dispute; Diggs denies allegations

Dedham, Massachusetts | December 30, 2025 - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing serious criminal charges following allegations that he assaulted his private chef during a dispute over unpaid wages earlier this month.

Court documents from Dedham District Court reveal that Diggs, 32, has been charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery stemming from an incident on December 2 at his home in Dedham, a suburb of Boston.

According to a police report, the woman, who had been employed as Diggs' personal chef since July 2025, told authorities that Diggs entered her bedroom and confronted her about money she claimed he owed her for a week of work in November. The conversation allegedly escalated, leading Diggs to smack her across the face. When she tried to push him away, he reportedly "tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck," causing her to fear she might black out and have trouble breathing.

The woman said Diggs then threw her onto the bed and made comments dismissing her claims. She left the residence that night but did not initially report the incident to police until December 16, citing hesitation due to Diggs' fame. She later decided to press charges on December 22 or 23.

Diggs' attorney, David Meier, issued a strong denial in a statement: "Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur. 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. Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law."

The New England Patriots also released a statement expressing support for their star player: "The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. We will continue to gather information and will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities and the NFL as necessary. Out of respect for all parties involved, and given that this is an ongoing legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time."

The NFL confirmed it is aware of the situation and in contact with the team but declined further comment.

Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots in March 2025, has been a key contributor this season, recording 970 receiving yards and nearing his first 1,000-yard campaign with the team. The Patriots are playoff-bound with one regular-season game remaining.

Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, 2026, in Dedham District Court.

The allegations come amid Diggs' high-profile personal life, including his relationship with rapper Cardi B, with whom he welcomed a child recently. Reports indicate the alleged victim is not connected to that relationship.

This is a developing story, and authorities have not released further details on potential evidence or witnesses. Diggs has not been arrested in connection with the charges, which were filed directly in court.