Stefon Diggs Acquitted in Assault Trial; Jury Returns Not Guilty Verdict

Stefon Diggs has been cleared of all charges in a Massachusetts courtroom.

The 32-year-old New England Patriots player stood accused of attacking his former live-in chef Jamila Adams, with charges including one count of felony strangulation and one count of misdemeanor assault and battery. On Tuesday, May 5, a Dedham District Court jury returned a not guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately an hour and a half.

The athlete, who had faced a potential prison sentence of up to five years, showed visible emotion as the verdict was read, with tears streaming down his face.

The Allegations

Adams testified that Diggs became physical with her during a monetary dispute late in the previous year. According to the allegations, the incident occurred on December 2 at his Dedham residence, during which he allegedly slapped and choked her.

During cross-examination, Adams faced multiple admonishments from the judge for declining to answer questions from Diggs' legal team regarding an alleged $5.5 million demand her representatives had made weeks before trial—a demand Adams claimed she was unaware of. She also disclosed that she had been in a sexual relationship with Diggs prior to being hired early the previous year.

The defense team questioned the lack of documented evidence of injuries, arguing there was not a single "shred" of physical proof supporting the claims.

Defense Response

Diggs did not address reporters following the verdict, but his attorney, Mitchell Shuster, offered a statement characterizing the case as an attempt at financial coercion.

"Domestic violence is a very, very serious issue in this country and it's disconcerting when people use it as a sword and manufacture claims in an attempt to extract money. I believe the jury saw through that today and we are very, very pleased with this result," Shuster said.

He continued: "I'm thankful for someone like Stefon Diggs who insisted that he would get his day in court so that his truth could be heard – and it was heard. No assault ever occurred. People have to stop targeting professional athletes and trying to extract money. They have a target on their back and it's hard enough doing what they do. And this has to stop. People should focus on real victims from domestic violence and allegations like this do a tremendous disservice to those who are afflicted and impacted by causes like this. It's been an honor to represent Stefon and could no be more proud of him that he insisted we see this through and the truth be told."