BOSTON — The assault trial of NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs continues Tuesday as his former live-in chef resumes her testimony, following opening statements that presented starkly different versions of events at the player’s residence.
The accuser, Jamila Adams who uses the name “Mila,” told the court Monday that Diggs struck her face with an open palm and placed his arm around her throat during an incident last December, making it hard for her to breathe. The defense maintains no such attack took place.
During her testimony, Adams recounted that Diggs “smacked me with an open hand” before putting his arm around her neck. She characterized her working arrangement as “complicated,” revealing that she and Diggs had previously been involved romantically, though not during the time of the alleged incident. Adams had been residing in his house, handling meal preparation and snacks, and had maintained a relationship with Diggs spanning more than four years when the alleged attack occurred.
Defense lawyer Andrew Kettlewell argued that no assault evidence exists, pointing out that other household members witnessed nothing suspicious and that no medical documentation, photographs, or video footage supports injury claims. Kettlewell also indicated that Adams may have had monetary motivations, telling jurors they would learn she requested financial compensation from Diggs following her report of the incident.
The prosecution contends the case revolves around events of Dec. 2, when they claim Diggs went into Adams’ room, struck her face, and applied a chokehold that restricted her breathing.
The 33-year-old Diggs has entered not guilty pleas to charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery. Jury selection concluded Monday at Norfolk County District Court in Dedham.
