Stefon Diggs Lawsuit Update, Patriots Star Faces Criminal Charges Plus Two Civil Cases Over Assault and Extortion Claims (2026)

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs faces felony strangulation charges with arraignment postponed until February 13, 2026, allowing him to play through the playoffs. The criminal case involving his former private chef is just one of three active legal battles: a defamation lawsuit he filed against influencer Christopher Blake Griffith who accused him of sexual assault, and a property destruction lawsuit against reality TV star Mia Jones who countersued alleging he assaulted her.

As the Patriots chase a Super Bowl berth, their star receiver navigates the most legally complicated season of his NFL career.

Latest Criminal Case Update: Arraignment Postponed

Stefon Diggs was originally scheduled for arraignment on January 23, 2026 in Dedham District Court on felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. Court documents filed January 9, 2026 show the hearing has been postponed to February 13, 2026—days after Super Bowl LIX on February 9.

The charges stem from an alleged December 2, 2025 incident at Diggs’ Dedham, Massachusetts residence involving his private chef. According to the police report filed December 16, 2025, the woman alleged Diggs entered her unlocked bedroom during a dispute over unpaid wages.

She told Dedham police that Diggs “smacked her across the face” and “tried to choke her using the crook of his elbow around her neck.” The woman said she had trouble breathing and feared she might black out, according to Officer Kenneth J. Ellis’s report.

What Diggs Says About The Criminal Allegations

Diggs categorically denies the allegations through his attorney David Meier, who called them “unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated—because they did not occur.”

Meier stated the allegations are “the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction.” Text messages between Diggs and the chef show a payment dispute, with Diggs writing “I won’t be paying you. Is you high?”

The Patriots organization released a statement saying “We support Stefon” and will cooperate with authorities and the NFL. The league has stated it’s “aware of the matter” but has taken no disciplinary action as of January 2026.

The Christopher Griffith Defamation Lawsuit

In October 2025, Diggs filed a libel lawsuit against influencer Christopher Blake Griffith, who posted Instagram stories in summer 2025 alleging Diggs drugged and sexually assaulted him during a May 2023 encounter.

According to Diggs’ complaint, the two attended a charity basketball game in Washington, D.C., went to a club, then returned to Diggs’ Rockville, Maryland home. Diggs says he went to his bedroom while his assistant asked Griffith to leave—nothing more happened.

Griffith’s version differs dramatically. He alleges Diggs offered him candy laced with drugs and sexually assaulted him in Diggs’ Porsche in the driveway. Griffith claims he locked himself in a bathroom for 45 minutes before Diggs’ associates beat him, robbed him, and dropped him at the airport.

Griffith’s November 21, 2025 counterclaim accuses Diggs of sexual battery and alleges Diggs orchestrated a violent attack one week later. Diggs’ brother Darez and two others allegedly pulled Griffith from an elevator at his Los Angeles residence, kicked him in the face, stole jewelry, and took his phone. Darez Diggs pleaded no contest to felony assault charges.

Griffith tagged the NFL, Patriots, and UGG—one of Diggs’ sponsors—in his social media posts. His attorney Jake Lebowitz said Griffith “is looking forward to showing the world in court” that he’s “the victim of Mr. Diggs’ unwanted sexual advances and his brother’s violent attacks.”

A pre-trial hearing is set for July 2026.

The Mia Jones Extortion and Assault Claims

On February 26, 2025, Diggs sued reality TV personality Mia Shymeer Jones (known as Mulan Hernandez) and Brianna Mack in Harris County District Court, alleging they orchestrated an extortion scheme.

Diggs’ lawsuit claims that on June 7, 2024, Jones and Mack entered his Houston apartment after a night of drinking, repeatedly punched him in the chest, destroyed his property including a $130,000 watch and gaming equipment, and threw his phone in the toilet.

His attorney Kent Schaffer characterized it as a “calculated scheme to extort millions” from the NFL star, with threats to ruin his career unless he paid.

Jones fired back with a counter claim on April 7, 2025, alleging Diggs punched her in the back of the head with a closed fist on June 7, 2024, causing a concussion diagnosed that same day at Memorial Heights Emergency Center.

Her counterclaim includes evidence that immediately after the alleged assault, Diggs “frantically” dispatched his personal assistant to Houston to secure her signature on a non-disclosure agreement. Text messages from Diggs’ assistant were submitted showing the urgency.

Jones’ attorneys wrote that “rushing to secure a signature on a non disclosure agreement right after the commission of an inexcable transgression is not the conduct of a blameless, innocent or extorted ‘victim.'”

Both sides point to medical records. Jones visited the hospital on June 7 for nausea and vomiting, was diagnosed with a “minor closed head injury,” and returned one week later reporting she’d been punched. As of July 2025, both sides were actively litigating.

What You Must Know

All Three Cases Share Disturbing Patterns

All three legal battles involve allegations of physical assault followed by attempts to secure non-disclosure agreements. Both the criminal case and the Mia Jones lawsuit feature financial disputes that allegedly escalated to violence.

In both the Massachusetts criminal case and the Texas civil case, alleged victims report hesitating to come forward due to Diggs’ celebrity status. Both defense strategies characterize allegations as financially motivated fabrications.

The NFL Hasn’t Suspended Diggs—Yet

The NFL typically waits until legal cases are resolved before issuing suspensions. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice wasn’t suspended until 2025 for an incident that occurred in March 2024.

As long as this precedent holds, Diggs likely won’t face league discipline during the 2025-26 season. The NFL’s personal conduct policy doesn’t require a guilty plea or conviction to suspend a player—the league conducts its own investigations.

The Commissioner’s Exempt List remains a possibility if charges escalate. This special status allows a player to not count against the 53-man roster while facing serious criminal charges, though it’s rarely used.

Diggs’ Career Year Amid Legal Chaos

Despite the legal turmoil, Diggs finished his first Patriots season with 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns—his seventh career 1,000-yard season. He overcame a 2024 torn ACL to become quarterback Drake Maye’s most reliable target.

The Patriots posted a surprising 14-3 regular season record, their best finish since 2016. Diggs has been instrumental in New England’s offensive success.

The Brian Flores lawsuit update NFL petitions Supreme Court after losing arbitration battle January 2026 demonstrates how NFL legal battles can stretch for years without resolution.

What To Do Next

If You’re Facing Employment Dispute Assault Allegations

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately if charged with assault stemming from a workplace dispute. Massachusetts law treats strangulation as a felony with severe penalties including potential prison time.

Do not discuss the case on social media or with anyone except your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court. The Jon Gruden lawsuit former Raiders coach just beat NFL in court now he’s coming for $60 million and Roger Goodell’s emails shows how public statements can complicate legal defense.

Document all financial disputes with employees through written contracts, payment records, and professional communication. This evidence becomes critical if employment disagreements escalate to legal claims.

Resources For Case Updates

Massachusetts court records are available through MassCourts.org for the Dedham District Court criminal case. Harris County District Court in Texas maintains public dockets for the Mia Jones civil lawsuit.

TMZ Sports, ESPN, and The Boston Globe have provided extensive coverage of all three cases with access to court filings and attorney statements.

The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) provides resources about the personal conduct policy and player rights during criminal investigations at nflpa.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest update on Stefon Diggs’ criminal case?

Diggs’ arraignment on felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges was postponed from January 23, 2026 to February 13, 2026, allowing him to play through the AFC Championship game on January 25 and potentially Super Bowl LIX on February 9. He categorically denies the allegations through his attorney.

What is the Stefon Diggs lawsuit about?

Diggs is involved in three separate legal matters: criminal charges alleging he assaulted his private chef in December 2025, a defamation lawsuit he filed against influencer Christopher Griffith who accused him of sexual assault, and a lawsuit against reality TV star Mia Jones who countersued claiming Diggs assaulted her in June 2024.

Who is Stefon Diggs suing?

Diggs filed lawsuits against Christopher Blake Griffith for defamation in October 2025 and against Mia Shymeer Jones (Mulan Hernandez) and Brianna Mack for extortion and property destruction in February 2025. Both defendants have filed counterclaims alleging Diggs assaulted them.

Has Stefon Diggs been suspended by the NFL?

No. As of January 2026, the NFL has not suspended Diggs or placed him on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. The league typically waits for legal cases to resolve before issuing discipline under its personal conduct policy.

When is the Stefon Diggs trial date?

The criminal arraignment is scheduled for February 13, 2026 in Dedham District Court. A pre-trial hearing in the Christopher Griffith defamation case is set for July 2026. Trial dates for the Mia Jones lawsuit in Harris County District Court have not been publicly announced.

What are the charges against Stefon Diggs?

Diggs faces one felony count of strangulation or suffocation and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery in Massachusetts stemming from an alleged December 2, 2025 incident. These are criminal charges, not civil claims.

Can Stefon Diggs play in the playoffs?

Yes. Diggs played in the Wild Card round and remains eligible for the AFC Championship game and Super Bowl because his arraignment was postponed to February 13, 2026, and the NFL has not suspended him pending the outcome of his criminal case.

Last Updated: January 19, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Stefon Diggs’ legal matters based on public court filings and news reports. It is not legal advice. For questions about criminal charges, defamation claims, or employment disputes, consult a qualified attorney.

Facing criminal charges or defamation claims? Contact an experienced attorney to protect your rights and build your defense strategy.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

Meta Description: Stefon Diggs faces February 13, 2026 arraignment on felony assault charges plus two civil lawsuits. Latest updates on Patriots star’s three legal battles.

About the Author

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.
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