Patriots’ Stefon Diggs pleads not guilty (Getty Images) Stefon Diggs stood in a Massachusetts courtroom Friday morning, days removed from the glare of Super Bowl LX, facing felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The New England Patriots wide receiver entered a plea of not guilty through his attorney and listened as the judge ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim, including through third parties. He was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to return to court April 1.The case centers on a dispute that, according to court documents, began with text messages over payment and escalated behind closed doors on Dec. 2, 2025. What started as a business disagreement between Diggs and his private chef has now become a legal fight unfolding in public view, with both sides digging in and the Patriots signaling their support for their star receiver.
Stefon Diggs arraignment: why the charges were filed and what happens next
According to a police report, the chef told authorities Diggs entered her room to discuss the pay dispute and became angry during the conversation. She alleged he smacked her across the face. When she tried to push him away, Diggs allegedly got behind her and “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck,” tightening his grip as she attempted to free herself. The report states he then threw her onto a bed before leaving after accusing her of lying about unpaid wages.Diggs has denied the accusations. On Thursday, he changed legal representation and is now represented by Sara Silva, who was recognized as a Massachusetts Lawyer of the Year in 2020, according to her website. The Patriots have publicly stood behind Diggs as the case moves toward a pretrial hearing next month.The woman at the center of the case, identified as Mila Adams, released a statement to TMZ shortly after Friday’s arraignment. “As a survivor of domestic violence, I take these matters extremely serious and would never make false claims for personal gain or to damage someone’s reputation,” the statement read.Adams also pushed back against suggestions that she sought financial gain. “I have never sought money nor engaged in settlement discussions to settle this matter; statements suggesting otherwise are harmful and untrue,” she stated. She added, “My focus is on healing, my work, and moving forward with integrity. I trust the legal process to address the facts, and I hope anyone following this matter will do the same.”This is not the first time Diggs has faced off-field scrutiny. In November, he was accused of sexual battery by an influencer. Days before the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss, he was sued for defamation in Florida. Rumors about tension in his personal life, including chatter involving Cardi B, have also circulated.For now, the focus shifts to April 1, when Diggs will return to court and the next chapter of this case begins.