New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been accused by a former employee of assault following an alleged confrontation over unpaid wages, according to a police report reviewed by authorities. Diggs has strongly denied the claims through his attorney.
The alleged incident took place on Dec. 2 at Diggs’ home in Dedham, Massachusetts, a suburb located roughly 15 miles south of Boston. The property is reportedly valued at approximately $2.5 million.
The woman, who was employed as Diggs’ private chef at the time, told police that tensions had been building due to an ongoing disagreement over money she said she was owed for her work. According to her statement, the dispute escalated after she confronted Diggs directly about the unpaid compensation.
Police records indicate that the woman said she was in her bedroom when Diggs entered, following a series of text messages between the two regarding the financial disagreement. During the conversation, she claimed Diggs became visibly angry as the discussion continued.
The woman alleged that Diggs struck her across the face, prompting her to push him away. She further told investigators that Diggs then placed his arm around her neck using the crook of his elbow and attempted to choke her.
According to her account, she struggled to breathe and feared she might lose consciousness. She stated that when she tried to pull his arm away, he tightened his hold. At some point, she said, Diggs released her and forcefully threw her onto the bed.
The woman also alleged that Diggs then left the bedroom and made a dismissive remark before exiting.
She left the home later that night but did not immediately report the incident to law enforcement. Police said she waited until Dec. 16 to speak with officers, explaining that she was initially reluctant to file a formal complaint. On Dec. 23, she contacted police again and informed them that she wished to proceed with pressing charges.
Diggs, 32, is currently in his first season with the New England Patriots under a three-year contract reportedly worth $69 million. He recently welcomed a child with his girlfriend, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B.
Authorities have scheduled Diggs to be arraigned in Dedham District Court on Jan. 23. He is expected to face one felony charge of strangulation and one misdemeanor charge of assault.
Diggs has not personally addressed the allegations publicly. However, his attorney, David Meier, released a statement to PEOPLE in which he said Diggs “categorically denies the allegations.”
Meier described the claims as “unsubstantiated and uncorroborated,” adding that they were never properly investigated because, according to him, the alleged incident did not occur. He further stated that the accusations stem from an unresolved financial dispute between Diggs and the former employee.
The New England Patriots also released a statement acknowledging the situation. The team said Diggs informed the organization that he denies the allegations and that the Patriots support him while continuing to gather information. The team added that it will cooperate fully with law enforcement and the NFL if required.
The NFL confirmed that it is monitoring the matter as the legal process moves forward.
The case remains under investigation, and Diggs is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.