Cardi B Boyfriend Stefon Diggs Paternity Lawsuit Explodes, NFL Star Faces Court Battle Just as Cardi B Announces Pregnancy

ByAll About Lawyer Reading Time: 11 minutes

Talk about timing that couldn’t be worse. Just one day after Cardi B announced she’s expecting a baby with NFL star Stefon Diggs, explosive court documents surfaced revealing the New England Patriots wide receiver is already fighting a paternity lawsuit with model Aileen Lopera.

This isn’t just celebrity gossip—it’s a complex legal battle involving child support, custody rights, and DNA testing that could have major implications for Diggs’ personal life and financial future. Let me break down everything we know about this developing legal drama.

Table of Contents

The Paternity Lawsuit: What’s Really Happening

Aileen Lopera, a model and social media influencer known online as Lord Gisselle, filed a petition in December 2024 in Los Angeles Superior Court to establish paternity of her unborn child, naming Stefon Diggs as the father. Here’s where it gets legally complex—she filed this lawsuit while she was still pregnant.

Lopera gave birth to the child, a girl named Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera, on April 2, 2025. Notice the hyphenated last name—that’s significant because it suggests Lopera believes strongly that Diggs is the father.

What Lopera Is Demanding in Court

The lawsuit isn’t just about establishing paternity. Lopera has asked the court to order Diggs to cover her pregnancy, birth expenses and attorney fees. She has also asked that she be given legal and physical custody of the child.

This is crucial—she’s not just asking for child support. She wants:

  • Full physical custody of the child
  • Legal custody (decision-making authority)
  • Financial compensation for pregnancy and birth expenses
  • Attorney fees coverage
  • Limited visitation for Diggs

Stefon Diggs’ Response

Here’s where Diggs is taking a smart legal approach. The NFL star says he’s “not certain” the child is his, and he’s demanding definitive proof.

Stefon Diggs has reportedly requested a DNA test amid the paternity dispute. This is standard legal procedure in paternity cases—until there’s scientific proof, everything else is just allegations.

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Cardi B Boyfriend Stefon Diggs Paternity Lawsuit Explodes, NFL Star Faces Court Battle Just as Cardi B Announces Pregnancy

Understanding the sequence of events is crucial for grasping the legal implications:

December 2024: Aileen Lopera filed a paternity petition in Los Angeles Superior Court while pregnant, naming Diggs as the father

April 2, 2025: Baby girl Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera was born

September 17, 2025: Cardi B announces her pregnancy with Stefon Diggs

September 18, 2025: Legal documents about the paternity lawsuit became public through media reports

The timing here is legally significant. Lopera filed her lawsuit nearly 10 months ago, long before the Cardi B pregnancy announcement. This suggests the legal case isn’t a reaction to recent events—it’s been ongoing behind the scenes.

Who Is Aileen Lopera? Understanding the Plaintiff

Her Professional Background

Aileen Lopera is a model and social media influencer who goes by Lord Gisselle online. She’s described as a Fashionnova ambassador, indicating she has legitimate business relationships in the fashion industry.

Lopera’s approach to this lawsuit shows she’s taking it seriously:

  • Filed while pregnant (showing proactive legal planning)
  • Requested full custody (indicating she wants primary parental control)
  • Seeking financial compensation (not just future child support)
  • Used a hyphenated last name for the child (suggesting confidence in paternity)

California Paternity Law Framework

This case operates under specific California legal statutes that many other outlets haven’t fully explained:

California Family Code Section 7610: In California, only legal parents can get custody and visitation (parenting time) orders about their child. Legal parents also have a responsibility to support their child financially.

California Family Code Sections 7570-7577: These sections govern establishment of paternity by voluntary declaration, but when contested, court proceedings are required.

Burden of Proof: In all contested paternity actions where a presumption of paternity exists, upon motion by a party, the court may order temporary support for the child pending a judicial determination of parentage.

Pre-Birth Legal Strategy: Unlike what most media reports, for unmarried parents, parentage of their children needs to be legally established by signing a declaration of parentage or obtaining a court order. Until these records are filed, the child officially does not have a legal father.

Financial Responsibilities: California Family Code sections 4052 through 4057 detail calculating child support, and if you fall behind in child support payments, you must pay interest on the balance due on top of the amount you owe.

If paternity is established, Diggs could be responsible for:

  • Child support payments calculated using California’s strict income-based formula
  • Medical expenses (including prenatal and birth costs)
  • Potentially retroactive support from birth with accrued interest
  • Attorney fees (depending on court decision)
  • Ongoing obligations until the child reaches majority

Why DNA Testing Is Crucial

Stefon Diggs demands paternity test for good legal reasons. DNA testing provides:

  • 99.9% accuracy in determining paternity
  • Legal admissibility in court
  • Clear resolution to the dispute
  • Protection against false claims

Without DNA confirmation, any financial or custody arrangements would be legally questionable.

Cardi B Boyfriend Stefon Diggs Paternity Lawsuit Explodes, NFL Star Faces Court Battle Just as Cardi B Announces Pregnancy

The Cardi B Factor: Complicated Timing

Impact on Current Relationship

The timing of this lawsuit becoming public—just one day after Cardi B’s pregnancy announcement—creates several complications:

Public Relations Crisis: This kind of news can damage both personal relationships and professional reputations.

Financial Planning: If Diggs is found to be the father, he’ll be supporting children with two different women simultaneously.

Media Scrutiny: Stefon Diggs kept quiet on Cardi B’s pregnancy while facing a paternity suit, showing how the legal case is affecting his public communications.

It’s important to understand that the paternity lawsuit and Cardi B’s pregnancy are completely separate legal matters. The outcome of one doesn’t affect the other.

The DNA Testing Phase

The court will likely order genetic testing to establish paternity definitively. This process typically involves:

  • Court-ordered DNA collection from both Diggs and the child
  • Testing at an accredited laboratory
  • Results admissible in court proceedings
  • Timeline of 2-4 weeks for results

Potential Outcomes

If DNA confirms paternity:

  • Diggs becomes legally responsible for child support
  • Court will establish custody/visitation arrangements
  • Financial obligations could be retroactive to birth
  • Ongoing monthly child support payments

If DNA excludes paternity:

  • Lawsuit likely dismissed
  • No financial obligations to Lopera
  • Diggs cleared of all claims
  • Potential consideration of legal fees

Financial Implications for Diggs

NFL players face unique considerations in paternity cases:

High Income = High Support: Child support calculations are based on income. As an NFL player earning millions, Diggs’ potential support obligations could be substantial.

Career Longevity: NFL careers are relatively short, but child support obligations last 18+ years.

Public Image: These cases can affect endorsement deals and public reputation.

Lessons for Other High-Profile Individuals

This case highlights several important considerations for public figures:

Documentation: Keep clear records of relationships and interactions Legal Counsel: Engage family law attorneys proactively, not reactively DNA Testing: When paternity is questioned, resolve it quickly through testing Privacy Measures: Understand that court filings become public record

For those interested in family law matters, this case shows why having experienced legal representation is crucial.

Media Management

The way this case became public demonstrates how legal matters can explode in the media. Celebrities need coordinated legal and PR strategies.

Common Patterns

Celebrity paternity lawsuits often follow similar patterns:

  • Claims made during or shortly after relationships end
  • Requests for substantial financial support
  • Media attention complicating legal proceedings
  • DNA testing as the definitive resolution

Previous celebrity paternity cases have established that:

  • Courts don’t give celebrities special treatment
  • Child support is based on both parents’ income and needs
  • Publicity doesn’t change legal standards
  • DNA evidence is paramount

For more information on child custody legal principles, this case follows established family law protocols.

Financial Consequences

NFL players face unique challenges in family law cases:

  • High earning potential during short careers
  • Salary cap implications (though child support isn’t counted)
  • Performance impacts from personal stress
  • Endorsement and public image considerations

Team Considerations

While personal legal matters typically don’t affect playing status, teams monitor situations that could impact:

  • Player focus and performance
  • Media distractions
  • Community relations
  • Salary cap planning (though this case wouldn’t directly affect that)

Frequently Asked Questions (Enhanced with AnswerThePublic Insights)

What is the Stefon Diggs paternity lawsuit about?

Model and influencer Aileen Lopera filed a paternity lawsuit in December 2024 claiming NFL player Stefon Diggs is the father of her daughter, born April 2, 2025. She’s seeking custody, child support, and coverage of pregnancy/birth expenses under California Family Code provisions.

Aileen Lopera, known online as Lord Gisselle, is a model and Fashionnova ambassador who filed a paternity petition in Los Angeles Superior Court. Under California Family Code Section 7610, she’s requesting: (1) Legal establishment of paternity, (2) Full physical and legal custody, (3) Child support calculated per California’s income-based formula, (4) Reimbursement for pregnancy and birth expenses, (5) Attorney fees coverage.

Has Stefon Diggs admitted paternity or taken a DNA test yet?

No. Stefon Diggs maintains he’s “not certain” the child is his and has reportedly requested court-ordered DNA testing. Under California law, genetic testing provides 99.9% accuracy and is the definitive legal standard for paternity determination.

When was the paternity lawsuit filed and what’s the timeline?

December 2024: Lopera filed paternity petition while pregnant
April 2, 2025: Baby girl Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera born
September 17, 2025: Cardi B announces pregnancy with Diggs
September 18, 2025: Paternity lawsuit details become public

The pre-birth filing shows strategic legal planning, as California allows paternity cases before birth but requires post-birth DNA testing for final determination.

The timing is coincidental but legally separate. The paternity lawsuit was filed 10 months before Cardi B’s pregnancy announcement. California Family Code treats each case independently – one paternity case doesn’t affect another. However, if both result in children, Diggs would face simultaneous support obligations.

What are the potential financial obligations if paternity is confirmed?

Under California Family Code sections 4052-4057, if DNA confirms paternity, Diggs faces:

  • Monthly child support: Calculated using California’s aggressive income-based formula
  • Retroactive support: From birth date with accrued interest
  • Medical expenses: Prenatal care, birth costs, ongoing healthcare
  • Attorney fees: Potentially both sides’ legal costs
  • 18+ year obligation: Until child reaches majority

Given Diggs’ $69 million Patriots contract, support could exceed $10,000+ monthly.

Immediate: Court likely orders DNA testing (2-4 week process)
If paternity confirmed: Support calculation hearings, custody arrangements, financial discovery
If paternity excluded: Case dismissal, potential attorney fee considerations
Either outcome: Results typically within 60-90 days of testing order

How does this compare to other NFL player paternity cases?

Similar to the Jerry Jones paternity case where courts ordered DNA testing regardless of celebrity status. NFL players face unique challenges: high income = high support, short career spans, salary cap considerations (though support doesn’t directly affect cap), and public image impacts on endorsements.

Can Stefon Diggs play while this lawsuit is ongoing?

Yes. Personal paternity matters don’t affect NFL playing eligibility unless criminal charges are involved. The Patriots organization typically doesn’t comment on players’ personal legal matters. However, media distraction could impact performance and endorsement deals.

If paternity is established, under California law Lopera gains:

  • Legal standing for all custody/support decisions
  • Financial security through court-ordered support
  • Decision-making authority if granted legal custody
  • Enforcement powers through California’s aggressive collection system
  • Modification rights if circumstances change

High-profile paternity cases typically cost:

  • DNA testing: $500-1,500 court-ordered
  • Attorney fees: $15,000-50,000+ each side for contested cases
  • Expert witnesses: $5,000-15,000 for financial analysis
  • Court costs: $2,000-5,000 in filing and processing fees
  • Total potential: $50,000-100,000+ if fully litigated

What precedent could this case set for celebrity paternity law?

This case could establish important precedents for: (1) Pre-birth filing strategies in celebrity cases, (2) Social media evidence usage in paternity disputes, (3) Multi-jurisdictional enforcement for NFL players, (4) Income calculation methods for variable sports contracts, (5) Privacy protection during high-profile proceedings.

While the media is framing this as celebrity gossip, the Stefon Diggs paternity lawsuit represents serious legal proceedings with potentially life-changing consequences.

Key takeaways:

  • DNA testing will resolve the paternity question definitively
  • Financial implications could be substantial if paternity is confirmed
  • The legal process follows standard family law procedures regardless of celebrity status
  • Timing with Cardi B’s pregnancy creates PR complications but doesn’t affect legal proceedings

What This Means for Stefon Diggs

If the DNA test confirms paternity, Diggs faces:

  • 18+ years of child support obligations
  • Potential custody/visitation arrangements
  • Retroactive financial responsibilities
  • Ongoing legal relationship with Lopera

If the test excludes him as the father:

  • Complete dismissal of all claims
  • No financial obligations
  • Legal vindication
  • Potential consideration of attorney fees

Broader Implications

This case demonstrates several important principles:

  • Legal obligations don’t care about timing or convenience
  • DNA evidence is the gold standard in paternity disputes
  • Celebrity status doesn’t change family law procedures
  • Professional athletes face unique financial considerations in these cases

For anyone following celebrity legal news or interested in family law principles, this case provides a real-world example of how paternity lawsuits unfold in high-profile situations.

The legal system will ultimately determine the truth through scientific evidence, regardless of media speculation or public interest. Until DNA results are available, everything else is just allegations and legal maneuvering.

For more insights on legal disputes involving public figures and family law matters, this case serves as a compelling example of how personal relationships can become complex legal battles with significant financial and personal stakes.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Stefon Diggs paternity lawsuit is ongoing, and information may change as the case develops. For specific legal questions about paternity or family law matters, consult with a qualified attorney.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah

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