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Stefon Diggs addresses the media prior to Super Bowl LX at the Santa Clara Marriott on February 4, 2026, in Santa Clara, California.

The first day of the assault trial involving former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs unfolded Monday with jury selection, opening statements, and testimony from the woman accusing him, laying out sharply different accounts that are expected to define the case.

Diggs, 32, is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and a misdemeanor count of assault and battery in connection with an alleged incident at his Dedham home in December 2025. He has pleaded not guilty.

The trial is being held in Dedham District Court and is expected to continue over the coming days.

Accuser Takes the Stand, Describes Alleged Incident

The prosecution’s first witness — a woman who worked as Diggs’ personal chef — took the stand Monday afternoon and described what she alleges occurred inside his home.

She testified that she had known Diggs for several years and described their relationship as “complicated,” saying it began as a friendship before becoming personal. She later began working for him as a private chef.

According to her testimony, the alleged incident stemmed from a disagreement tied to travel plans and communication between the two.

She testified that Diggs entered her bedroom during the confrontation and struck her with an open hand, before she testified that he placed his arm around her neck.

The woman testified that she had difficulty breathing during the encounter and said the situation escalated quickly. At one point during her testimony, she told the court she was “in shock.”

She also testified that she did not immediately report the incident, later explaining she was concerned about how it would be perceived publicly.

Defense Challenges Testimony, Focuses on Inconsistencies

During cross-examination, defense attorneys questioned the accuser about differences between her courtroom testimony and prior statements, including what was included — and not included — in her initial police report.

The defense highlighted text message exchanges between the two following the alleged incident. In court, the woman acknowledged sending messages to Diggs after the encounter, including communications that appeared apologetic in tone.

She testified those messages were not voluntary expressions, stating she felt pressure tied to financial matters and her working relationship with Diggs.

“Not by choice,” she said when asked about the messages.

Defense attorneys also questioned her about payment disputes, suggesting the situation involved disagreements over money. The accuser confirmed there were ongoing discussions about compensation but maintained her allegations were truthful.

Defense Argues ‘There Was No Assault’ in Opening Statement

Earlier in the day, Diggs’ attorney told jurors that the prosecution’s version of events did not occur.

The defense argued that the incident described by the Commonwealth did not happen, adding that there was no physical evidence, medical documentation, or photographic proof to support claims of an assault.

The defense also suggested the accusations stem from a financial dispute, pointing to the timing of payment requests and communications after the alleged incident.

Diggs’ legal team has consistently denied the allegations.

Prosecution Outlines Case to Jury

In opening statements, prosecutors told jurors they would hear testimony describing how the alleged altercation unfolded inside Diggs’ home.

They said the case centers on the accuser’s account of being struck and restrained, and indicated additional witnesses — including law enforcement — are expected to testify.

Jurors were instructed that their role is to evaluate the credibility of testimony and determine the facts based on the evidence presented in court.

Jury Selected as Trial Gets Underway

The trial began Monday morning with jury selection, resulting in a panel of seven jurors, including six women and one man, consistent with district court proceedings.

Opening statements followed, and the prosecution called its first witness shortly after.

Court proceedings included multiple breaks and concluded for the day following cross-examination, with testimony expected to resume Tuesday.

What Comes Next in the Trial

Cross-examination of the accuser is expected to continue as the trial resumes, with both sides preparing to call additional witnesses in the coming days.

The case is expected to hinge largely on the credibility of testimony, consistency of accounts, and the interpretation of communications between the two parties, rather than physical evidence alone.

Diggs, who was released by the Patriots earlier this year, has not signed with another NFL team.