In a developing legal saga that has captured the attention of sports fans and tabloid readers alike, NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs finds himself at the center of a paternity dispute involving model and social media influencer Aileen Lopera, known online as Lord Gisselle. Court documents recently obtained by TMZ Sports reveal that Lopera filed a petition in Los Angeles County in December 2024, while pregnant, asserting that Diggs is the father of her now four-month-old daughter, born in April 2025. The allegations have sparked a contentious legal battle, with Diggs questioning the paternity claim and requesting genetic testing to confirm the child's parentage. As the dispute unfolds, Diggs is simultaneously navigating significant personal milestones, including the anticipation of a child with rapper Cardi B, announced in August 2025, and his ongoing professional commitments with the New England Patriots. This article delves into the details of the paternity case, the responses from both parties, and the broader context of Diggs’ personal and professional life, while exploring the implications of this high-profile legal matter.
The Paternity Dispute: Legal Filings and Allegations
The paternity dispute began to surface publicly when court documents revealed that Aileen Lopera, a model and influencer with a significant online following under the moniker Lord Gisselle, filed a legal petition in December 2024 in Los Angeles County. In the filing, Lopera named Stefon Diggs, a prominent NFL wide receiver, as the father of her unborn child. The baby, a girl, was born in April 2025, and Lopera’s petition sought to establish Diggs’ paternity and secure his acknowledgment and support for the infant. The filing marks the beginning of a legal process that has since drawn considerable media attention, given Diggs’ status as a high-profile athlete and Lopera’s visibility in the influencer community.
In response to Lopera’s petition, Diggs submitted a filing in July 2025, expressing uncertainty about the paternity claim. According to the documents, Diggs stated that he was “not certain” the child is his and formally requested genetic testing to confirm or refute Lopera’s allegations. This response underscores Diggs’ cautious approach to the matter, as he seeks definitive evidence before accepting legal or financial responsibility for the child. The request for DNA testing is a standard procedure in paternity disputes, particularly when the alleged father contests the claim, and it reflects Diggs’ intent to proceed with due diligence in resolving the matter.
On July 17, 2025, a Los Angeles County judge signed a stipulation requiring both Diggs and Lopera to undergo DNA testing to determine the child’s paternity. This court-ordered testing represents a critical step in the legal process, as the results could either confirm Diggs as the father, thereby obligating him to provide support, or exonerate him from responsibility if the tests prove otherwise. However, as of the latest reports, it remains unclear whether the DNA tests have been completed or what the results, if any, indicate. The lack of public updates on the testing process has left the case in a state of limbo, fueling speculation and media coverage as both parties await resolution.
Statements from Legal Representatives
Lopera’s attorney, Tamar Arminak, issued a statement to The U.S. Sun, expressing her client’s position and expectations in the dispute. “My client looks forward to the day Mr. Diggs acknowledges and provides for his infant daughter in Los Angeles,” Arminak said. The statement suggests that Lopera is confident in her claim and anticipates that the DNA testing will validate her assertion that Diggs is the father. Arminak’s remarks also imply that Lopera is seeking not only legal acknowledgment of paternity but also financial support and involvement from Diggs in the child’s life. The tone of the statement reflects a determination to hold Diggs accountable, while also highlighting the personal stakes for Lopera and her daughter.
In contrast, Diggs’ attorney, Tullo Mumtaz, has remained tight-lipped about the case. When contacted by media outlets on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Mumtaz declined to comment, leaving Diggs’ perspective on the matter largely represented by his court filings. This reticence is not uncommon in high-profile legal disputes, where attorneys often advise their clients to avoid public statements that could complicate ongoing proceedings. Mumtaz’s silence may also reflect a strategy to keep the focus on the legal process, particularly the DNA testing, rather than engaging in a public war of words with Lopera’s camp.
Stefon Diggs’ Personal and Professional Context
The paternity dispute comes at a time of significant personal and professional transitions for Stefon Diggs. The 30-year-old wide receiver, who signed with the New England Patriots in the 2025 offseason after stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills, is navigating a new chapter in his NFL career. Diggs, known for his dynamic playmaking and leadership on the field, has been a focal point of the Patriots’ offensive strategy as they aim to rebuild and compete in the highly competitive AFC East. His professional commitments have kept him in the public eye, and the paternity dispute adds an additional layer of scrutiny to his personal life.
Compounding the complexity of the situation is the recent announcement that Diggs is expecting his first child with rapper Cardi B, who revealed her pregnancy on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The news, which Diggs confirmed via a social media post, has generated significant buzz, given the high-profile nature of both individuals. In his post, Diggs expressed excitement about the impending arrival, writing, “Hoping for a boy!” The announcement has added a layer of intrigue to the paternity dispute, as it highlights Diggs’ expanding family obligations and raises questions about how he will balance his personal responsibilities with his professional career and the ongoing legal battle.
Diggs is already a father to an eight-year-old daughter, Nova, from a previous relationship. His experience as a parent may inform his approach to the paternity dispute, as he navigates the complexities of co-parenting and the legal obligations that come with fatherhood. The existence of Nova also underscores the personal stakes for Diggs, as the outcome of the paternity case could significantly impact his family dynamics and financial responsibilities.
The Broader Implications of the Dispute
The paternity dispute involving Stefon Diggs and Aileen Lopera is emblematic of the challenges that high-profile individuals face when personal matters intersect with public scrutiny. For Diggs, the case represents not only a legal battle but also a potential turning point in his public image. As a celebrated athlete, Diggs has cultivated a reputation as a dedicated and charismatic player, but the allegations and the ensuing legal process could influence how fans and the media perceive him. The outcome of the DNA testing, in particular, will likely play a significant role in shaping public opinion, as it will either confirm or refute Lopera’s claims.
For Lopera, the dispute is equally consequential. As an influencer with a substantial online following, Lopera operates in a space where public perception is critical to her brand and livelihood. By pursuing the paternity claim, she is taking a bold step to secure support for her daughter, but she is also exposing herself to intense media scrutiny and potential backlash. The decision to name Diggs publicly in the petition reflects her willingness to confront these challenges head-on, but it also underscores the high stakes for both her and her child.
The case also highlights broader societal issues surrounding paternity disputes, particularly in the context of celebrity culture. Such disputes often attract disproportionate attention due to the fame of the individuals involved, but they also raise important questions about responsibility, accountability, and the welfare of children. In this instance, the court-ordered DNA testing represents a mechanism for resolving uncertainty and ensuring that the child’s interests are prioritized, regardless of the public drama surrounding the case.
The Role of Media and Public Interest
The media’s role in amplifying the paternity dispute cannot be overstated. Outlets like TMZ Sports and The U.S. Sun have been instrumental in bringing the case to public attention, with their coverage focusing on the legal filings, statements from attorneys, and the personal lives of Diggs and Lopera. The intersection of sports, celebrity, and legal drama makes the story particularly compelling for audiences, and the media’s framing of the dispute has shaped public perceptions of the individuals involved.
Social media has also played a significant role in the narrative surrounding the case. Diggs’ announcement of his impending child with Cardi B, made via a social media post, quickly went viral, generating thousands of comments and reactions from fans and followers. Similarly, Lopera’s online presence as Lord Gisselle has amplified interest in the case, as her followers engage with the story and speculate about its implications. The interplay between traditional media and social media underscores the challenges of maintaining privacy in high-profile disputes, as every development is scrutinized and debated in real time.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
From a legal perspective, the paternity dispute is proceeding along a well-established path. The court’s decision to order DNA testing reflects a commitment to resolving the matter based on scientific evidence, which is critical in cases where paternity is contested. The results of the tests will likely determine the next steps in the legal process, including whether Diggs will be required to provide financial support or assume other parental responsibilities. If the tests confirm Diggs as the father, Lopera may also seek a formal custody arrangement or additional support for her daughter.
Ethically, the case raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures in their personal lives. Diggs, as a prominent athlete, is a role model for many, and his handling of the paternity dispute could influence how he is perceived by fans and peers. For Lopera, the decision to pursue the claim publicly reflects a commitment to her daughter’s well-being, but it also invites scrutiny of her motives and character. Both individuals must navigate the delicate balance between personal privacy and public accountability, all while prioritizing the needs of the child at the center of the dispute.
The Path Forward
As the paternity dispute between Stefon Diggs and Aileen Lopera continues to unfold, several key questions remain unanswered. The completion of the court-ordered DNA testing will be a pivotal moment in the case, as it will provide clarity on Diggs’ relationship to Lopera’s daughter. Until the results are made public, speculation and media coverage are likely to persist, fueled by the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the dramatic elements of the story.
For Diggs, the resolution of the case will have significant implications for his personal and professional life. A confirmation of paternity would add new responsibilities to his already complex family dynamics, particularly as he prepares to welcome a child with Cardi B. Regardless of the outcome, Diggs’ ability to navigate the legal and public relations aspects of the dispute will be critical to maintaining his reputation and focus on his NFL career.
For Lopera, the case represents a fight for her daughter’s future. Her determination to secure acknowledgment and support from Diggs reflects a broader commitment to ensuring her child’s well-being, even in the face of intense public scrutiny. The outcome of the DNA testing will determine whether her efforts are vindicated, but her willingness to pursue the claim publicly suggests a resilience that will serve her well in the months ahead.
In the broader context, the dispute serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern celebrity culture, where personal decisions and legal battles play out on a public stage. As Diggs and Lopera await the results of the DNA testing, the world watches, eager for the next chapter in this unfolding drama. Whether the case ultimately strengthens or challenges their respective public images, it underscores the enduring human stakes at the heart of such disputes—stakes that transcend fame, wealth, and status to focus on the fundamental question of family.
