Chef declines to answer money questions in assault trial of former Patriots player Diggs – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Dedham, Mass. – A live-in chef for former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs sidestepped questions about escalating financial demands during his assault trial on Tuesday. Defense lawyers highlighted inconsistencies in her claims of unpaid wages, while she insisted the matter involved only compensation for her work. The testimony came as jurors weighed charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault stemming from a December altercation at Diggs’ home.
Grilling Over Unpaid Wages and Skyrocketing Demands
Jamila “Mila” Adams, who served as Diggs’ personal chef, faced pointed questions from the defense about money she claimed was owed to her. She testified that she received roughly $2,000 per week for preparing meals and living in his home but believed she had not been fully paid after being sent away. Lawyers confronted her with records showing a $19,000 demand that later ballooned to $5.5 million through her attorney.
Adams repeatedly demurred when pressed on the larger figure, stating, “I can’t speak on that.” She described herself as confused about the initial amount and said she had sent an incorrect figure. Prosecutors maintained that her concerns centered on wages, not any effort to settle the criminal case.
Judge Curbs Witness’s Elaborations
Tensions rose as Adams offered responses that veered beyond the questions posed. At several points, she told jurors, “I don’t understand the question” or “I don’t know how to answer the question.” Judge Jeanmarie Carroll intervened directly, instructing her to stick to direct answers and warning against injecting extra narrative.
“This is not an opportunity for you to interject your own narrative,” the judge said, cautioning that persistent nonresponsive replies could lead to her testimony being stricken. Parts of her statements were struck from the record, with instructions for the jury to disregard them. The exchange underscored the defense’s push to undermine her credibility.
Officer Describes Upset Complainant at Station
Earlier testimony came from Dedham police Officer Kenneth Ellis, who took Adams’ initial report on the alleged assault. He recounted how she arrived at the station visibly distraught, sitting on a bench and crying. Adams first requested a female officer but eventually provided a statement identifying Diggs as the assailant.
Ellis noted no visible injuries, no photos taken, and no interviews with other witnesses. His probe rested mainly on her account and supplied text messages. The officer’s account painted a picture of an emotional scene but offered little physical corroboration.
Clashing Narratives Define the Case
Adams had detailed the incident the previous day, alleging Diggs slapped her with an open hand and then choked her in a headlock, impairing her breathing. She described a prior sexual relationship that had ended by December 2, when the confrontation unfolded in her bedroom at his home. The two had known each other for over four years.
Defense attorneys countered that no assault occurred, citing the absence of medical records, photos, or video evidence. No one else in the residence reported disturbances, they argued, while suggesting Adams pursued money amid payment disputes. She had issued a February 13 statement claiming, “I have never sought money to settle this matter,” and later hired a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim related to an on-the-job injury.
Key Developments in the Trial:
- Adams claims slap and choke; defense cites no evidence.
- Financial demands rose from $19,000 to $5.5 million.
- Judge warns witness on nonresponsive answers.
- Police saw no injuries but noted her distress.
Diggs has pleaded not guilty in Norfolk County District Court. The jury, seated Monday, continues to hear evidence in the closely watched proceedings.
