Stefon Diggs Found Not Guilty of Assault in Private Chef Dispute
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty Tuesday in a high-profile assault case involving his private chef, bringing an abrupt end to a tense legal battle that has captured national attention. The verdict clears the four-time Pro Bowler of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges stemming from a December altercation at his home in Dedham, Massachusetts.
The case revolved around an intense dispute between Diggs and Jamila Adams—known as Mila—a personal chef who had lived in Diggs’s home. Adams testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument over pay on December 2. However, Diggs’s defense vigorously denied all allegations, challenging Adams’s credibility and portraying the incident as a complicated personal dispute fueled by financial disagreements and relationship tensions, including a planned trip to Miami.
Defense Attacks Credibility; Prosecution Relies on Victim’s Testimony
During closing arguments, Diggs’s attorney, Andrew Kettlewell, told jurors no credible evidence supported the claims of assault, emphasizing the lack of physical injuries and pointing to testimony from friends and employees who said Adams showed no signs of harm following the incident. “The prosecution has not presented a single shred of credible evidence that an assault occurred,” Kettlewell declared.
Prosecutor Drew Virtue acknowledged Adams was not a perfect witness but urged the jury to weigh her account seriously as the foundation of the case. “Don’t disregard her testimony because she is imperfect,” Virtue said, insisting the evidence rests squarely on what happened inside Diggs’s home.
Diggs Denies Allegations and Looks Ahead
Diggs, who was released by the Patriots earlier this year in March, continues to categorically deny all allegations. His legal team described the accusations as unsubstantiated and motivated by financial disputes rather than any violent conduct. Despite the legal distractions, Diggs remains a major figure in the NFL after signing a three-year $69 million contract with New England last year and serving as a primary target for quarterback Drake Maye during the Patriots’ AFC East championship run.
Before joining New England, Diggs was drafted in 2015 by the Minnesota Vikings and quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers. The resolution of this case allows Diggs to move forward without the burden of pending criminal charges.
What’s Next for Diggs?
The verdict frees Diggs to focus entirely on his football career and upcoming seasons. For Kentuckians and football fans nationwide, this conclusion eliminates uncertainty surrounding a key NFL star. Legal analysts note the case highlights the complexities athletes face off the field amid personal disputes and media scrutiny.
Kentucky sports enthusiasts should watch how this development impacts Diggs’s trajectory and the Patriots’ offensive dynamics as the 2026 NFL season approaches. The exoneration clears the path for Diggs to potentially return to top form without legal distractions, reinforcing the ongoing storylines in the AFC East race and beyond.
