Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs accused of attacking employee in dispute over pay

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing criminal charges, accused of attacking a private chef during a dispute about money.

According to court records, Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim was working as a private chef in Diggs’ Dedham, Massachusetts, home. She told police that on Dec. 2, after a text exchange about pay she believes was due to her, Diggs came into her bedroom and they got into an argument. She described being smacked across the face, and said he tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow.

The victim did not come forward with the accusations until Dec. 16, and initially did not want to press charges. She told police at the time she was hesitant to come forward because of Diggs’ fame. She also noted she believed she was still owed money for her time working for Diggs.

Diggs is scheduled for an arraignment on Jan. 23. His attorney said Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.”

“They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur. 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,” Attorney David Meier wrote in a statement.

The team also released a statement on the matter Tuesday:

“The New England Patriots are aware of the accusations that have been made regarding Stefon Diggs. Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon. 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.”

An NFL spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the matter and in contact with the team, but declined to comment further.

Diggs signed with the Patriots in March, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $69 million. He’s had a strong season, becoming a strong teammate for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

This comes at a critical time for the team, with the Patriots clinching the AFC East for their first division title since 2019 and hopes still alive for the AFC No. 1 seed. They have one remaining regular-season game against the Dolphins on Sunday.