New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault charge.
The charges were filed in Dedham District Court on Monday, Dec. 29, following an incident on Dec. 2.
Diggs’ attorney has requested that the police report be impounded and remain sealed.
The Patriots organization stated they are aware of the allegations, which Diggs denies, and that they support him.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing a felony strangulation or suffocation charge, along with misdemeanor assault, according to online court records reviewed by USA TODAY.
The charges were filed Monday, Dec. 29, in Dedham District Court and stemmed from an alleged incident on Tuesday, Dec. 2.
In a statement, the Patriots said they were aware of the accusation and stood by Diggs.
‘Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon,’ the statement said. ‘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.’
USA TODAY Network acquired the police report in which a woman, his former personal chef, accused Diggs of smacking her and placing his hands around her neck following an argument at Diggs’ home in Dedham, Massachusetts about her compensation. The report was filed Dec. 16 and although she initially didn’t press charges, she did a week later.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, also reiterated that his client ‘categorically’ denied the complaints.
‘They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur,’ Meier said in a statement. ‘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 Patriots defeated the New York Giants, 33-15, on Dec. 1 in a ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup, with the incident allegedly occurring the following night. The NFL said it was aware of the matter.
Diggs’ girlfriend, singer Cardi B, gave birth to the couple’s son in November.
Diggs was scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 23, 2026, two days after the AFC championship game. The Patriots clinched the AFC East on Dec. 28. Along with the motion to seal, the judge said she would consider moving the arraignment to March.
On the field, Diggs has been a reliable target for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. The University of Maryland product has 82 receptions, 970 yards, and four touchdowns in his first season with New England.