The assault trial of former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs opened Monday in Norfolk County District Court with testimony from Jamila Adams, a former live-in chef who alleged the athlete physically attacked her. Adams, who testified that she and Diggs had a sexual relationship before she began working for him, told the jury the four-time Pro Bowl player slapped and choked her during a dispute at his residence in December.

According to reports from TMZ and Law&Crime, Adams testified that her connection with Diggs began as a friendship after he inquired about her cooking services more than four years ago. The relationship eventually became sexual, and they reached an agreement for her to begin working for him in February 2025. By July 2025, Adams had moved into his home and was paid $2,000 per week to serve as his chef.

Adams testified that the alleged assault followed an exchange of heated text messages regarding her exclusion from a planned trip to Miami with Diggs and his entourage. She told the court that Diggs entered her bedroom and struck her with an open hand before placing her in a chokehold. Adams described a struggle for breath during the encounter, which she characterized as a physical assault.

During opening statements, Norfolk Assistant District Attorney Drew Virtue told jurors that Adams was placed in a headlock and thrown onto a bed. He noted that the jury's responsibility is to determine the facts of the encounter that took place on Dec. 2.

Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell countered the prosecution’s narrative, stating that no other individuals in the home at the time witnessed or heard a disturbance. Kettlewell argued that there are no medical records to substantiate the claims of physical injury and suggested that Adams’ accusations were driven by financial interests. He alleged that Adams sought increasing amounts of money from Diggs shortly after the charges were filed, starting at $19,000.

Kettlewell presented a video of Adams in New York in the days following the alleged incident, pointing out that she appeared to be dancing and smiling. Adams testified that she did not document her injuries because she was in shock and attempting to plan her next steps.

Diggs, 33, has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of strangulation and a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery. He remained silent as he entered and exited the courthouse in Dedham on Monday.

The veteran receiver was released by the Patriots in March after a season in which he recorded 85 receptions for 1,013 yards. Diggs, who has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans, currently remains a free agent.