Watch live: Testimony begins in ex-Patriots star Stefon Diggs’ assault trial after jury is seated
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By Frank O'Laughlin
DEDHAM, Mass. — Witness testimony in the assault trial of former New England Patriots star wide receiver Stefon Diggs began Monday afternoon after a jury was seated and opening statements were delivered.
Jamila Mila Adams, Diggs’ former live-in personal chef, was the first called to testify in Dedham District Court by the Commonwealth.
The court broke for lunch shortly before 1 p.m., with Adams still on the stand recounting her relationship with Diggs and the alleged assault.
The seven jurors, comprising six women and one man, were selected for a trial that the judge says could last “two or three days.”
Diggs faces charges of felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
Diggs had no comment as he made his way into court.
Prosecutors say the alleged altercation occurred during a dispute over unpaid wages. According to court documents, Adams told police that Diggs struck her in the face, placed her in a chokehold, and threw her onto a bed.
During a final pretrial hearing on Friday, defense attorneys objected to Adams referencing a separate prior bad act in court. While details of that alleged incident were not discussed, the defense argued it could be used to explain why the woman delayed reporting the alleged assault for two weeks.
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New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills - NFL 2025 ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 05: Stefon Diggs #8 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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The judge sided with the defense, ruling that any reference to a prior bad act would be excluded unless prosecutors provided additional detail or argument, citing the lack of specificity in the information presented.
Diggs was not present in court for Friday’s pretrial hearing.