Show summary Hide summary
Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation charges as his high-stakes trial begins in just 3 days. The former Patriots star has maintained his not guilty plea since February. What revealed the shocking dispute with his private chef?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Trial Start: Monday, May 4, 2026, in Dedham District Court
- Charges: One felony count of strangulation or suffocation, one misdemeanor assault and battery
- Incident Date: December 2, 2025 at his Dedham home
- Victim: His former private chef over a financial dispute
The Incident That Started It All
On December 2, 2025, Stefon Diggs was at his Dedham home when tensions erupted. Court documents reveal the wide receiver had a heated dispute with his private chef over payment she believed was owed. According to the criminal complaint, the chef said Diggs smacked her across the face. She also alleged he tried to choke her with his elbow, a detail that became central to the strangulation charge.
Diggs categorically denies all allegations. His attorney Mitchell Schuster has called the claims unsubstantiated. The chef waited two weeks before filing a police report, citing hesitation due to Diggs’ fame and public profile.
Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty to felony strangulation charges in Massachusetts court
Elsie Hewitt and Pete Davidson are working through relationship issues 5 months after welcoming baby Scottie
From Arraignment to Trial
The Patriots receiver was initially scheduled to be arraigned on January 23, but the hearing was postponed to February 13 at his request. Attorneys cited a scheduling conflict related to his Super Bowl appearance with New England. At that brief February hearing, lasting just over one minute, Diggs entered his not guilty plea. He was released on personal recognizance bail and ordered to stay away from the victim.
In March, the Patriots released the 32-year-old wide receiver in a move that cleared $16.8 million in salary cap space. The team cited cost concerns, as his contract was set to jump significantly for the next season.
What the Trial Could Mean
| Trial Factor | Details |
| Court Location | Dedham District Court, Massachusetts |
| Start Date | May 4, 2026 (this Monday) |
| Type | Jury trial |
| Outcome Scenarios | Conviction, acquittal, or settlement negotiation |
Legal experts believe the case hinges on credibility. NBC Boston legal analyst Michael Coyne pointed out that without the chef’s testimony, the prosecution faces an uphill battle. Some analysts have suggested the case could be resolved if Diggs and the former chef settle the financial dispute that triggered the incident.
“We are confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case he will be exonerated. It’s a shame that this had to happen today. He’s a good person and we are looking forward to the prosecutors seeing all the facts and evidence that we have gathered.”
— Mitchell Schuster, Diggs’ Attorney
Career Impact and Next Steps
The trial’s outcome could reshape Diggs’ NFL future. A conviction on felony strangulation charges could trigger the League’s Personal Conduct Policy and potentially result in suspension or banishment. A not guilty verdict would clear his path to free agency and potentially secure a new contract. Diggs was previously released by the Patriots, but several teams have shown interest in the Pro Bowl caliber receiver.
The coming days will prove critical for Stefon Diggs. With jury selection and opening statements set to begin Monday in Dedham, all eyes remain on whether the chef’s allegations will result in conviction or whether Diggs’ defense will secure complete exoneration.
What Happens If the Trial Exposes More Surprises?
Trial watchers are closely following whether the jury will hear additional evidence about the December incident. Both sides have been battling over text messages and emails related to the financial dispute. The judge recently ruled on protective orders in the case, restricting what information can be publicly disclosed. If new details emerge during jury selection or opening statements, public perception could shift dramatically. Diggs’ image, already under scrutiny, hangs in the balance as May 4 approaches.
