New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges stemming from an alleged December altercation with his former personal chef.

The 32-year-old, in his 11th NFL season, appeared shortly after 9 a.m. ET in Dedham District Court in Massachusetts. In a proceeding that lasted only minutes, Diggs stood before a judge, entered his plea and was ordered to have no contact with his accuser. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for April 1.

The courtroom stirred with murmurs as the first case of the morning session concluded, prompting the judge to call repeatedly for quiet and order as spectators filtered out following Diggs’ appearance.

Charges Filed After December Dispute

Diggs is accused of choking and smacking his former personal chef during a Dec. 2, 2025, argument at his home in Dedham. The charges — felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault — were formally filed Dec. 29.

According to a police report obtained by USA TODAY Network, the woman alleged that during a disagreement over her compensation, Diggs struck her and placed his hands around her neck. The report was filed Dec. 16. While the woman initially declined to press charges, she did so about a week later.

Diggs was originally scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 23, two days after the AFC championship game. A judge later postponed the court date until after the Patriots’ Super Bowl 60 appearance — a 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Defense Denies Allegations

Outside the courthouse, defense attorney Mitchell Schuster described the accusations as false.

“He is completely innocent of these false allegations that have been alleged,” Schuster said, adding that when all the facts are revealed, they will “paint a very different picture.” He declined to elaborate further.

“I expect Mr. Diggs to be exonerated and I’d be shocked if this case goes to trial,” Schuster said.

Court records list Diggs as being represented by attorneys William Kettlewell, Michael DiStefano, Sara Silva and David Meier.

In a separate statement, Meier said Diggs “categorically” denies the allegations.

“They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur,” Meier said. He characterized the accusations as stemming from an unresolved financial dispute between employer and employee and said Diggs looks forward to establishing the truth in court.

Patriots Stand Behind Receiver

Shortly after charges were filed, the New England Patriots issued a statement expressing support.

“Stefon has informed the organization that he categorically denies the allegations. We support Stefon,” the team said. The Patriots added they would continue gathering information and cooperate fully with authorities and the NFL, declining further comment while the legal process unfolds.

A Star Season Overshadowed

Diggs completed his first year in New England in 2025 after signing a three-year, $69 million contract during the offseason. He quickly became one of second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s primary targets in the team’s run to the Super Bowl.

During the regular season, Diggs recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In the Super Bowl loss to Seattle, he was limited to three catches for 37 yards.

As the case moves toward its April pretrial hearing, the legal proceedings now run parallel to Diggs’ football career — two tracks moving in different directions, yet converging in the public spotlight.

USA TODAY and The Enterprise of Brockton, part of the USA TODAY Network, are covering the case.