Stefon Diggs, the NFL star currently dating rapper Cardi B, has been confirmed as the father of Instagram model Aileen Lopera’s baby girl following a months-long paternity dispute that played out both in court and across social media.
Lopera, who goes by Lord Gisselle online, welcomed her daughter, Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera, in April. Her attorney, Tamar Arminak, confirmed Wednesday that genetic testing established Diggs’ paternity.
© Aileen Lopera/IG“The paternity has been confirmed. Mr. Diggs is the father of the child,” Arminak told multiple outlets. “Now that the child’s paternity has been established and Mr. Diggs has acknowledged his daughter, my client hopes they can work toward being great parents to their child.”
While the test results have resolved the question of fatherhood, the case itself isn’t over. Arminak added that the paternity suit “will move forward if the parties are not able to resolve [their issue] themselves.”
© Dave Benett/Getty Images for HerLopera filed the paternity suit in Los Angeles last December, months before giving birth. At the time, she asked for legal and physical custody of her child and requested that Diggs only receive visitation rights. She also sought reimbursement for her pregnancy and birth-related expenses, along with her attorney’s fees.
© Aileen Lopera/IGThe 31-year-old New England Patriots wide receiver responded in July, saying he was “not certain” he was the father and requested DNA testing. If the results confirmed paternity, he asked for joint legal and physical custody, as well as for both parents to share costs tied to the pregnancy and legal proceedings.
Arminak, representing Lopera, had previously told Us Weekly in September, “My client looks forward to the day Mr. Diggs acknowledges and provides for his infant daughter in Los Angeles.”
© Aileen Lopera/IGFollowing Wednesday’s confirmation, Lopera hinted at gratitude and relief, sharing a simple message on her Instagram Story, “You know what God? I thank you for everything.”
His relationship with Cardi B:
The revelation comes as Diggs and Cardi B are preparing to welcome their first child together. The rapper, 33, revealed her pregnancy during a sit-down with Gayle King on CBS Mornings in September after months of fan speculation.
“I’m having a baby with my boyfriend, Stefon Diggs,” she shared. “I’m excited. I’m happy. I feel like I’m in a good space. I feel very strong, I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work, but I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby.”
© ElsaThis will be Cardi’s fourth child. She shares three children, Kulture, 7, Wave, 4, and Blossom, 1, with her estranged husband, rapper Offset, from whom she filed for divorce last summer. Diggs, meanwhile, is already a father to 9-year-old Nova, whom he welcomed in 2016 with ex Tyler-Marie.
Earlier this week, Diggs opened up at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City, revealing that he and Cardi are expecting a baby boy. “It’s a boy. That’s enough for me,” he told reporters. “I can’t wait to make him do push-ups and sit-ups and run around. It’s supposed to happen real soon, so wish us both luck.”
© GettyThe couple first went public in May at the Met Gala, where they walked the red carpet together, marking Cardi’s first major public relationship appearance since her separation from Offset.
For now, Lopera and Diggs’ legal case remains open while they work toward a possible custody and support agreement. “Now that the child’s paternity has been established and Mr. Diggs has acknowledged his daughter,” Arminak reiterated, “my client hopes they can work toward being great parents to their child.”
