Stefon Diggs being accused of criminal conduct has become one of the most widely discussed news stories in sports and legal circles today, as the New England Patriots star wide receiver faces serious felony and misdemeanor charges related to an incident earlier this month. The details of what Stefon Diggs is being accused of are complex and evolving, and in this in-depth article we break down every verified fact known so far about the allegations, the legal process, the context of the charges, the responses from the involved parties, and what it could mean going forward.
This article is based on the most recent, confirmed updates available as of Dec. 31, 2025, and stays fully focused on the question of what accusations Stefon Diggs is confronting. No speculative content is included.
Table of Contents
The Core Accusations: What Stefon Diggs Is Being Accused Of
At the center of current legal news is the question: What is Stefon Diggs being accused of? The answer is that he is charged with a felony count of strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanor count of assault and battery following an incident that allegedly occurred on December 2, 2025, at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts.
According to official court documents filed in Dedham District Court, a woman who had worked as Diggs’ personal chef told police that during a dispute over unpaid wages, Diggs physically assaulted her, striking her and then attempting to choke her by wrapping his arm around her neck. She reported that the action made it difficult for her to breathe. These allegations form the basis of the criminal charges he is now facing.
The legal filing states that the woman initially did not want to press charges when she first spoke with police in mid-December but later changed her mind and filed a complaint that led to the charges being issued against Diggs. These charges were formally filed by prosecutors after the complaint was submitted.
This is the core of what Stefon Diggs is being accused of—serious physical conduct that, if proven in court, could lead to felony conviction, and which has already led to an official criminal case being opened in Massachusetts.
The Timeline: From Alleged Incident to Charges
To fully understand what Stefon Diggs is being accused of, it is helpful to review how the situation unfolded over time:
December 2, 2025:
The alleged incident took place at Diggs’ residence in Dedham, where the personal chef and Diggs allegedly engaged in a disagreement over unpaid wages. The disagreement reportedly turned physical.
December 9, 2025:
The woman reportedly returned to Diggs’ home to collect property after leaving her position. During this encounter, she had further interactions with members of Diggs’ staff regarding her pay.
December 16, 2025:
The woman went to the Dedham police department and spoke with officers about the alleged December 2 incident. At that time, she declined to press charges.
December 22–23, 2025:
Within about a week after her first police contact, the woman changed her mind and chose to formally file a criminal complaint, which prompted prosecutors to begin examining the case and moving toward charges.
Dec. 30, 2025:
Formal charges were announced in Dedham District Court, including felony strangulation/suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery. A motion hearing was held in court on that date.
January 23, 2026:
Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges in Dedham District Court. This date is noteworthy because it falls shortly before the Patriots’ potential AFC Championship Game, making the timing particularly prominent.
This timeline highlights the path from the alleged incident through to official legal action, explaining what Stefon Diggs is being accused of and when each development occurred.
Breaking Down the Allegations
To understand what Stefon Diggs is being accused of, it’s important to look at the substance of the allegations as reported in police narratives and court filings. Here’s a clear, factual breakdown:
1. Alleged Assault During Dispute Over Pay
The initial claim centers on a disagreement over unpaid wages. The woman alleged that after discussing money she said she was owed, Diggs became physically violent.
She told police that he struck her in the face one or more times during the exchange. According to the account, this physical contact occurred during a tense moment in what had been a professional relationship.
2. Alleged Strangulation Attempt
More serious than the alleged hitting is the claim that Diggs attempted to choke the woman. She reported that he placed his arm around her neck, wrapping it in a way that made it hard for her to breathe. She said she feared losing consciousness at one point, an element that elevates the legal seriousness of the accusation.
This part of the allegation directly corresponds to the felony charge of strangulation or suffocation he is now facing in court.
3. Aftermath and Contact with Law Enforcement
According to the narrative, after the alleged physical confrontation the woman left the residence but later decided to speak with police when she felt comfortable pursuing legal action. She made contact with law enforcement on her own initiative, which ultimately resulted in prosecutors filing charges.
These detailed claims are central to what Stefon Diggs is being accused of and are the basis of the criminal case against him today.
Charges Explained: What They Mean Legally
Felony Strangulation or Suffocation
One of the most serious charges Diggs is facing is felony strangulation or suffocation. Under Massachusetts criminal law, this offense involves intentionally restricting another person’s breathing or blood flow by applying pressure to the throat or neck.
If convicted, felony strangulation can carry substantial prison time and serious legal consequences. Because this charge is a felony, it is typically treated as a high-severity offense that must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Misdemeanor Assault and Battery
The misdemeanor charge of assault and battery relates to the alleged hitting or striking of the woman during the incident. In general terms, assault and battery involves intentionally causing physical harm to another person. As a lesser offense than a felony, it can still result in imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record if a conviction occurs.
Both charges together outline the full extent of what Stefon Diggs is being accused of under Massachusetts criminal statutes.
Stefon Diggs’ Response: Denial and Legal Strategy
An essential part of understanding what Stefon Diggs is being accused of is also knowing how he and his legal team have responded to the allegations.
Diggs has categorically denied the accusations. His attorneys have stated that the allegations are unfounded and have described them as arising from a financial dispute, rather than a legitimate claim of physical assault.
At recent court appearances, his legal team attempted to have details of the police reports and other documents sealed or kept out of public view, to minimize the spread of sensitive information. Those efforts have been met with resistance from the court, which has allowed at least some details to become publicly accessible.
Diggs’ attorneys argue that the allegations stem from a contractual or pay dispute that was not resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction. They assert that no assault occurred and that Diggs will defend himself vigorously in court. This denial and framing of the situation will be central to Diggs’ defense strategy as the legal process continues.
Patriots and NFL Reaction
The New England Patriots organization has publicly acknowledged the accusations against Diggs and stated they are gathering information while cooperating with authorities and league officials.
The team’s official stance supports Diggs while also emphasizing respect for both the legal process and all individuals involved. The Patriots have reiterated that he maintains his innocence and that they will work with appropriate entities as the case moves through the judicial system.
The National Football League has confirmed it is aware of the charges and is monitoring the situation. Under NFL policies, criminal charges—especially those alleging violent conduct—can trigger review by the league and possibly independent discipline. However, as of now, the league’s public comments have been limited to acknowledging awareness and contact with the club.
The reactions of both the team and the NFL play an important role in shaping public understanding of what Stefon Diggs is being accused of and how his professional environment is responding.
Public and Media Attention
Because Stefon Diggs is a high-profile NFL star playing a major role in a playoff-contending Patriots team, public and media attention to what he is being accused of has been intense.
News outlets across the U.S. are covering every legal development, and social media platforms are filled with commentary from fans, analysts, and commentators. The timing of the charges—coming during the NFL playoff season and shortly before a potential AFC Championship Game—has amplified interest and scrutiny.
This high degree of public attention makes understanding the facts crucial, as speculation and misinformation can spread rapidly. In this article, only confirmed, verified updates are included, avoiding unverified claims or rumors.
What Comes Next: Court, Arraignment, and Beyond
Looking ahead, Diggs is scheduled for a criminal arraignment on January 23, 2026 in Dedham District Court. During this hearing, formal charges will be read, and Diggs will enter a plea.
After arraignment, the case will proceed through pre-trial motions, evidence discovery, and potentially a trial unless a plea agreement or dismissal occurs. Both prosecution and defense will gather and present evidence, and it will be up to a judge and possibly a jury to determine outcomes based on the facts as proven in court.
The legal process can be lengthy, and developments may continue to unfold throughout 2026. The arraignment date and subsequent hearings will provide clearer insight into how the case is progressing and what defenses are raised.
Context: Diggs’ Career and Public Profile
Stefon Diggs is widely known as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers. Prior to joining the Patriots, he had long been a standout player with multiple teams and accumulated significant career statistics. In 2025, Diggs signed a multi-year contract with the New England Patriots and quickly became a key part of their offense, leading the team in receptions and yardage.
His professional success and high public visibility contribute to why the current accusations against him are closely watched and widely reported. It’s important to recognize that before the criminal case, Diggs had no widely reported convictions for violent conduct, and he has built a reputation primarily around his athletic achievements. The legal allegations now under scrutiny are a significant and serious development in his public life.
A Clear Summary of What Stefon Diggs Is Being Accused Of
To recap the verified facts:
- He is accused in criminal court of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery related to an alleged December 2, 2025 incident at his Dedham, Massachusetts home.
- The alleged victim is a former personal chef who worked for Diggs and said a dispute over unpaid wages escalated into physical confrontation.
- She reported the alleged encounter to police and later pressed criminal charges, leading prosecutors to file formal counts.
- Diggs denies all allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated and financially motivated, and intends to contest them in court.
- The arraignment is scheduled for January 23, 2026, and the case will proceed through the Massachusetts legal system.
These points summarize what Stefon Diggs is being accused of, based on current verified information.
Closing Thoughts
The question what is Stefon Diggs being accused of is now answered with clear, confirmed details: criminal charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery stemming from an incident reported by a former employee.
This story is ongoing, and future court proceedings will continue to shape public understanding of the case. For now, all we have are the charges as filed and the responses from Diggs, his legal team, and the involved organizations.
What are your thoughts on this developing legal situation involving Stefon Diggs? Leave a comment below and stay tuned for updates as the case unfolds.