Stefon Diggs Accused of Sexual Battery by Influencer — Here’s What Happened and What the Law Says
NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs is facing new legal pressure after influencer Christopher Blake Griffith filed counterclaims accusing him of sexual battery, drugging, and coordinating a violent attack.
The allegations, which have circulated online since August, have now escalated into a formal legal dispute involving claims of assault, defamation, and a libel lawsuit filed by Diggs himself.
While the celebrity headlines focus on Diggs’ relationship with Cardi B — especially after the couple welcomed a son earlier this month — the real story sits inside a complicated series of legal claims, counterclaims, and competing narratives that will likely stretch deep into 2026. Here is what we know so far, and how the law treats cases like this.
Cardi B and Stefon Diggs pictured courtside at an NBA game. Their relationship has drawn added attention as Diggs faces new civil sexual battery allegations.
What Happened? A Verified Timeline
May 22, 2023 – Alleged Incident in Maryland
Griffith alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted while in Diggs’ car and later at the NFL star’s Maryland home after the two attended events in the Washington, D.C. area. He claims he was invited as Diggs’ guest.
May 29, 2023 – Alleged Attack in Los Angeles
According to the new counterclaims, Griffith says Diggs’ brother, Darez Diggs, and two associates assaulted him in Los Angeles one week later — an incident he alleges was connected to rejecting Diggs’ advances.
August 2025 – Claims Made Public Online
Griffith posted his accusations on Instagram, where he has nearly 100,000 followers. Diggs responded by filing a libel lawsuit, accusing Griffith of fabricating the narrative.
October 1, 2025 – Diggs’ Libel Lawsuit Filed
Legal documents obtained by media outlets show Diggs denies any wrongdoing and says he asked Griffith to leave his house after a night out with other influencers. He alleges Griffith stole clothing and later published a false police report online.
November 21, 2025 – Griffith Files Counterclaims
Griffith formally responds, accusing Diggs of sexual battery, physical assault, and participating in a conspiracy to harm him. His attorney, Jake Lebowitz, says Griffith is seeking “damages and other relief.”
Both sides now accuse the other of defamation, creating a legally dense conflict involving both civil and potentially criminal issues.
The Legal Issues at the Centre of This Case
This dispute contains three major legal components, each governed by different standards and burdens of proof.
1. Sexual Battery Allegations (Civil and Potentially Criminal)
Sexual battery laws vary by state, but generally require evidence that:
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An unwanted sexual act occurred
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The defendant lacked consent
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Force, coercion, or incapacitation was involved
In Maryland, where the alleged incident took place, sexual battery can carry both criminal consequences (if prosecuted by the state) and civil liability (if the accuser sues for damages).
Griffith’s filing is a civil sexual battery claim, which means he is seeking monetary damages rather than a criminal conviction. The burden of proof is lower than in criminal court — preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt.
2. Defamation and Libel Claims
Diggs’ lawsuit claims Griffith:
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Fabricated allegations
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Published a damaging false narrative
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Harmed his reputation and career
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Used the accusations to grow his social media presence
To succeed, Diggs must prove:
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Griffith made false statements
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He acted with actual malice or reckless disregard
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The posts caused measurable harm
Because Diggs is a public figure, the standard is higher — he must show more than simple negligence.
Griffith, in turn, accuses Diggs of defamation for claiming he stole clothing and made up the story.
👉Why Most People Misunderstand Defamation — And What the Law Actually Protects
3. Alleged “Coordinated Attack” in Los Angeles
Griffith’s counterclaim that Diggs’ brother and associates assaulted him may fall under:
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Civil battery
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Intentional infliction of emotional distress
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Civil conspiracy
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Potential criminal assault, if prosecutors decide to get involved
Whether these claims lead anywhere depends heavily on:
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Witness testimony
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Medical or photographic evidence
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Phone records or location data
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Communications between the parties
With events taking place in two different states, jurisdictional issues will also factor into where the case is heard and which laws apply.
👉 What Is Assault and Verbal Assault in the USA?
Key Legal Questions Raised by This Case
What qualifies as sexual battery in a civil lawsuit?
Unlike criminal cases, civil sexual battery focuses on whether the unwanted contact occurred and whether damages can be proven. A conviction is not required for a plaintiff to win a civil judgment.
Does posting accusations online count as defamation?
Only if the statements are false and made recklessly. If Griffith can show he genuinely believed the allegations and they were based on a police report, defamation becomes harder to prove.
Can alleged victims be sued for libel?
Yes. Accusers are not immune from civil claims if the accused believes the allegations are false and harmful.
Does social media activity influence these cases?
Absolutely. Posts, comments, DMs, and timestamps often become evidence that establishes timelines, intent, and credibility.
What This Means for Ordinary People
This case highlights several realities of modern legal disputes:
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Accusations posted online can trigger lawsuits even before police or prosecutors become involved.
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Civil and criminal cases can run in parallel, each with different standards and consequences.
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Multi-state incidents complicate matters, especially when allegations involve travel, events, or influencers.
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Defamation suits are increasingly used as a response to online allegations, especially among public figures.
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Medical records, messages, and corroborating evidence often decide these cases, not public perception.
Anyone involved in similar disputes — on either side — should seek legal advice early, especially before posting publicly.
Could This Case Set a Legal Precedent?
This case is unlikely to set a formal precedent, but it taps into growing legal trends:
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Influencers alleging misconduct by celebrities
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Accusers facing libel suits for social media posts
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Growing use of civil courts for sexual misconduct claims
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Online disclosures being used as evidence
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Public figures arguing reputational harm from viral accusations
Legal observers will watch closely because cases like this shape broader conversations about consent, reputation, and online accusations.
Possible Outcomes Based on Similar Cases
Depending on the evidence presented:
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The sexual battery claim could proceed to trial or be dismissed early if insufficient evidence exists.
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Diggs’ defamation lawsuit could succeed if he proves falsity and actual malice.
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Griffith’s defamation counterclaim may hinge on whether Diggs can prove the theft allegations.
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The alleged Los Angeles assault could lead to civil damages if Griffith provides credible supporting evidence.
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A confidential settlement is also highly possible — many high-profile cases resolve privately.
At this stage, both sides are firmly dug in, suggesting a prolonged legal battle. Under Maryland law, which outlines varying degrees of sexual offenses, civil claims only require a preponderance of evidence.” (Maryland Courts)
Legal FAQs: Stefon Diggs Case
Can civil sexual battery be proven without a criminal conviction?
Yes. Civil cases require a lower burden of proof and often proceed even when no criminal charges are filed.
Is posting allegations online protected speech?
It depends. Expression of personal experience is protected, but making knowingly false claims that damage someone’s reputation is not.
What evidence matters most in cases like this?
Messages, medical exams, location records, witness testimony, and police reports often have the greatest influence.
Can someone be sued for defaming an accuser?
Yes. If an accused person publicly states the accuser is lying or committed crimes (like theft), they must have evidence to support it.
Does being a public figure make these cases harder?
Yes. Celebrities must meet a higher defamation standard but also face increased reputational risks.
What does Christopher Blake Griffith accuse Stefon Diggs of?
Griffith alleges Diggs drugged and attempted to sexually assault him in May 2023, and later coordinated a violent attack through his brother and two associates. These claims form the basis of his new civil counterclaims.
What is Stefon Diggs’ lawsuit against Griffith about?
Diggs filed a libel lawsuit accusing Griffith of fabricating the allegations and posting false statements online that damaged his reputation. He denies all misconduct and is seeking damages and attorneys’ fees.
Final Legal Takeaway
The case between Stefon Diggs and Christopher Blake Griffith is far more than a celebrity dispute — it is a multi-layered legal battle involving civil sexual battery allegations, competing defamation claims, and accusations of coordinated violence. As it moves through the courts, the outcome will depend heavily on evidence, credibility, and how judges interpret the interactions that took place across two states. For the public, the case underscores the complex ways allegations, online speech, and reputation intersect in the digital era.
