New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, currently dating rapper Cardi B and awaiting their first child together, has been officially confirmed as the father of Instagram model Aileen Lopera’s 7-month-old daughter through a recent paternity test. The revelation, shared by Lopera’s attorney, comes amid an ongoing custody dispute and highlights the complexities of Diggs’ expanding family life.
Lopera, 28, who goes by the Instagram handle Lord Giselle, filed a paternity petition in Los Angeles Superior Court in December 2024 while pregnant, seeking to establish Diggs’ parental responsibilities. She requested full legal and physical custody, with Diggs limited to visitation rights, and asked him to cover all pregnancy, birth, and legal expenses. The model welcomed daughter Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera in April 2025, incorporating elements of both parents’ surnames in a nod to shared heritage.
Diggs, 31, responded to the suit in July 2025, expressing doubt about his paternity and requesting a DNA test. In court documents, he stated he was “not certain” of fatherhood but proposed joint legal and physical custody, along with an equal split of costs, if the results proved positive. Lopera’s lawyer, Tamar Arminak, confirmed the test results to outlets including Page Six and the Daily Mail on November 5, 2025. “The paternity has been confirmed. Mr. Diggs is the father of the child,” Arminak said. She added that Diggs has now acknowledged his daughter, and Lopera hopes for collaborative co-parenting. However, the attorney noted the case persists: “The suit will move forward if the parties are not able to resolve [their issues] themselves.”
This development arrives at a pivotal moment for Diggs, who went public with Cardi B – real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus – in June 2025 after months of dating rumors. The couple announced Cardi’s pregnancy during a September 2025 CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, where the 33-year-old Bronx rapper beamed, “I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs.” Cardi, fresh off her finalized divorce from rapper Offset earlier in 2025, already shares three children with him: daughter Kulture Kiari, 7; son Wave Set, 3; and a daughter born in September 2024. The news of Diggs’ confirmed paternity surfaced just days after the pregnancy reveal, sparking widespread speculation about its impact on their relationship.
Cardi addressed early rumors about the paternity suit during a September 20 Instagram Live, playfully referencing Shirley Brown’s 1974 soul hit “Woman to Woman” with the line, “That’s your baby daddy, bitch?” She followed up more seriously, telling fans, “We’re going to figure it out.” As of November 7, neither Cardi nor Diggs has commented publicly on the confirmation, but sources close to the pair indicate they’re prioritizing their growing family. A representative for Cardi declined to comment when reached by Fox News Digital.
Diggs, a Gaithersburg, Maryland native and three-time Pro Bowl selection, is no stranger to fatherhood. He co-parents a 9-year-old daughter, Nova, from a prior relationship, often sharing glimpses of his dad duties on social media. In a 2024 ESPN interview, Diggs reflected, “Being a dad means showing up, even when the spotlight’s brightest. It’s the real MVP work.” His foundation, the Diggs Foundation, supports youth in football and education, underscoring his commitment to family values off the field.
On the gridiron, Diggs has been a standout since entering the NFL as the fifth overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015 out of the University of Maryland. Traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, he posted four straight 1,000-yard seasons, becoming a key piece in their playoff pushes. His blockbuster move to the Patriots in April 2025 – in exchange for draft picks and a young cornerback – raised eyebrows but has paid off early. Through nine games in the 2025 season, Diggs has 58 catches for 812 yards and six touchdowns, meshing well with rookie QB Drake Maye under new coach Mike Vrabel. The 4-5 Pats sit second in the AFC East, with Diggs’ next test a matchup against the Jets on November 10.
Lopera, a Fashion Nova ambassador with over 150,000 Instagram followers, has kept a poised presence during the saga. Her feed features stylish hauls, beauty routines, and tender moments with Charliee, like beach outings and milestone celebrations, without delving into the legal fray. Friends describe her as “resilient and child-focused,” prioritizing Charliee’s well-being above drama. Arminak echoed this in statements, emphasizing optimism for “positive steps ahead” now that paternity is settled.
Legal observers in California family court note that with DNA confirmation, negotiations often pivot to custody arrangements and child support. “The child’s best interests guide everything,” said attorney Rachel Kramer, not involved in the case. “High-profile figures like Diggs have the means for mediation, but courts intervene if talks stall.” Diggs’ request for joint custody aligns with California’s preference for shared parenting when feasible, though Lopera’s initial push for primary custody suggests potential sticking points, including Diggs’ travel-heavy NFL schedule.
The story’s timing has amplified media buzz, blending NFL headlines with celebrity gossip. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have mixed reactions, with posts like “Stefon building a squad faster than the Pats’ offense 😂 #DaddyDiggs” racking up likes, alongside more empathetic takes: “Hoping for peace for all the kids involved – family first.” Cardi, ever the provocateur, continues dropping hits; her recent collab with Megan Thee Stallion topped the Billboard Hot 100, and she’s hinting at a 2026 album. A maternity shoot posted last week, captioned “Life’s too short for bad vibes,” drew millions of views, showcasing her unshakeable glow.
For Diggs, juggling fatherhood across households – now including Charliee, Nova, and an incoming child with Cardi – adds layers to his high-stakes world. The athlete’s camp remains tight-lipped, but a source told Us Weekly he’s “committed to all his children and handling matters privately.” As the custody case progresses, it could influence his off-season plans, especially with the Patriots eyeing a wildcard push.
Broader ripples touch on celebrity accountability in the social media era, where personal disputes unfold publicly. Lopera’s suit, filed pre-birth, aimed to secure stability for Charliee from the start – a move experts praise as proactive. Diggs’ measured response, seeking verification before commitment, reflects caution amid his rising profile. For Cardi, navigating this as a new mom-to-be underscores her resilience; post-divorce, she’s leaned into therapy and fresh starts, as shared in recent interviews.
As November unfolds, the focus shifts to resolution. Arminak expressed hope for “great parents to their child,” signaling a path toward amicable terms. Diggs’ Sunday showdown in New York could provide a distraction, but off-field dynamics promise more chapters. In the end, amid the headlines, it’s the little ones – Charliee, Nova, Cardi’s kids, and the one on the way – who stand to gain from.