New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty Friday to felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery in a brief arraignment at Dedham District Court.
Judge Jeanmarie Carroll released the 32-year-old on personal recognizance and ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victim. Diggs is due back in court April 1 for a pretrial hearing. The entire proceeding lasted less than five minutes.
A member of Diggs’ legal team, Mitchell Schuster, told reporters afterward that the player is confident he will be exonerated. “We’re confident that after the facts and evidence are reviewed in this case, he will be completely exonerated,” Schuster said.
The charges stem from a Dec. 2, 2025, incident at Diggs’ home in Dedham. According to police reports, his then-personal chef, Mila Adams, told authorities that a dispute over unpaid wages escalated when Diggs allegedly slapped her across the face and choked her with the crook of his elbow around her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe. She reported the incident to Dedham police on Dec. 16 and charges were filed Dec. 29.
Alleged victim issues statement
Shortly after Friday’s hearing, Adams released a written statement emphasizing her focus on the legal process and personal healing.
In the statement, she wrote:
“I did not seek public attention and reported this matter through the proper legal channels. This is an active criminal matter, and I will continue to respect the legal process. I will not engage in rumors, personal attacks, or respond to misinformation on social media, and I will ask others to refrain from spreading false narratives.
“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.
“I have never sought money nor engaged in settlement discussions to settle this matter, statements suggesting otherwise are harmful and untrue.”
The Patriots organization has previously said it is aware of the allegations, supports Diggs and is cooperating with authorities. The NFL has also been in contact with the team but has declined further comment.
The case remains pending.
Flip the pages for photos of Mila Adams.
