BOSTON — The woman who worked as Stefon Diggs’ resident chef and accuses the former New England Patriots receiver of assault is expected to continue her testimony Tuesday at his trial. I excelled on the first day Through sharply conflicting accounts of what happened inside his home.
Jamila Adams, who is known as “Mila,” testified Monday that Diggs slapped and choked her during a dispute in December, leaving her struggling to breathe. Diggs’ attorney told jurors the attack never happened.
Adams told jurors Diggs “slapped me with an open hand” before wrapping his arm around her neck. She described what she described as a “complicated” employment dynamic, saying their relationship had previously been sexual, but that was not at the time of the alleged assault. She was living at his home, preparing meals and snacks, and had known Diggs for more than four years at the time she alleged he assaulted her.
Defense attorney Andrew Kettlewell said there was no evidence of an assault, noting that no one else in the home reported seeing or hearing anything unusual and that there were no medical records, photos or videos documenting the injuries. He also suggested that Adams had a financial motive, telling jurors they would hear evidence that she asked Diggs for money after reporting the incident.
Prosecutors say the case focuses on what happened on Dec. 2, when they allege Diggs entered Adams’ bedroom, slapped her and put her in a headlock that made it difficult to breathe.
Diggs, 33, has pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. The jury reconvened Monday in Norfolk County District Court in Dedham.