Courts and Crime

The New England Patriots wide receiver and boyfriend of Cardi B is due for arraignment on Jan. 23

Stefon Diggs is facing criminal charges after a personal chef told police that the New England Patriots wide receiver slapped and choked her at his home in a Boston suburb during a Dec. 2 dispute over pay.

Diggs, 32, was charged with one felony count of strangulation and misdemeanor charges of assault and battery, according to NBC Boston. The boyfriend of rapper Cardi B vehemently disputes the claims.

“Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated – because they did not occur,” Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in a statement sent to Rolling Stone. “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.”

Diggs is scheduled to be arraigned in Dedham District Court on Jan. 23. The first appearance would be two days before the scheduled kickoff of the AFC Championship game.

According to a police report, obtained by NBC Boston, the alleged victim told authorities that she was working as a chef at Diggs’ home in Dedham, Massachusetts, when he purportedly entered her unlocked bedroom. She said he was “angered” over her claim he owed her money and “smacked her across the face,” the outlet reported.

“The male then tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck. She said that he was behind her with his arm wrapped around her. She said that she did feel like she had trouble breathing and that she felt like she could have blacked out,” the police report states, according to NBC Boston.

The woman said she had some redness on her upper chest area after the alleged incident but did not take photos. She went to police on Dec. 16, saying she was hesitant to come forward at first due to Diggs’ fame.

“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,” the Patriots said in a statement.

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Diggs and Cardi B have been dating for more than a year and welcomed a son in November. On Monday, the Grammy-winning rapper addressed criticism over her relationship with Diggs, reminding fans that she needs their support as she embarks on a new tour.