DEDHAM, Mass. — As the legal battle surrounding Stefon Diggs intensifies, a series of “disturbing” text messages has reportedly been leaked, offering a glimpse into the fractured relationship between the New England Patriots star and the former private chef who has accused him of assault. The messages, which surfaced on Wednesday, allegedly document a heated confrontation over a $500 balance that the accuser claims was the catalyst for a violent encounter.
The leaked exchange reportedly shows Diggs using profanity-laced and derogatory language toward the chef after she requested her final payment. In one specific message highlighted by the report, Diggs allegedly tells the woman to “stop crying” and uses gendered slurs while dismissing her claims that she was owed money for services rendered.
The woman’s legal team is expected to introduce these messages as evidence of Diggs’ “state of mind” leading up to the December 2 incident. They argue that the texts corroborate her account of an employer who became increasingly volatile when confronted with financial obligations.
“The language used in these messages is not just aggressive; it’s illustrative of a power dynamic where Mr. Diggs felt he could intimidate and demean his staff,” a source close to the investigation noted. “When verbal intimidation failed to silence the dispute over pay, that is when the physical assault occurred.”
Diggs’ defense team has not denied the authenticity of the texts but maintains that “heated words” in a private dispute do not equate to physical violence. His attorney, David Meier, previously stated that the entire case is an attempt to turn a standard employment disagreement into a “payday” via criminal charges.
The leak comes at a precarious time for the Patriots (12-4), who are preparing for a deep postseason run. While the team has maintained its stance of “supporting” Diggs during the investigation, the public release of “disturbing” communications can often sway league opinion regarding the Commissioner’s Exempt List.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the NFL has not commented on the leaked messages. However, league investigators typically include digital communications as a primary component of their independent reviews under the Personal Conduct Policy. With an arraignment looming in late January, these texts have significantly clouded the “character” defense initially presented by Diggs’ camp.
