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CEO Faces Federal Charges Following Altercation on Cruise Ship

A CEO from California has come under federal scrutiny after being implicated in an assault on a cruise ship, as reported by the FBI. Kenneth DeGiorgio, 53, the head of First American Financial, allegedly choked another passenger during a vacation incident aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady while in international waters near Martinique.

Details surrounding the incident reveal that the confrontation occurred in a cocktail lounge on the ship. DeGiorgio reportedly became aggressive after a verbal altercation ensued between his wife, Nichol DeGiorgio, and a man identified only by his initials, M.A. Court documents indicate that the incident escalated quickly, with DeGiorgio allegedly shouting, “I’ll f—ing kill you,” while physically restraining M.A.

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Witnesses noted that the conflict began when Nichol DeGiorgio requested M.A. to put on shoes while dancing, stating, “Look, we are all grown-ups here.” M.A. reportedly responded aggressively, leading Kenneth DeGiorgio to intervene. Surveillance footage captured the moment DeGiorgio crossed the dance floor and forcibly held M.A. by the neck.

Upon docking in San Juan, Puerto Rico, ship authorities contacted the FBI regarding the incident. The captain of the Resilient Lady instructed DeGiorgio to remain in his stateroom as a precautionary measure. In subsequent statements to law enforcement, Nichol DeGiorgio noted that M.A. had not physically threatened her and accepted responsibility for instigating the situation by asking him to put on shoes.

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DeGiorgio now faces assault charges under the maritime and territorial jurisdictions of the United States. These charges were formally filed after the events that transpired aboard the cruise ship. The U.S. Department of Justice has yet to comment on the case.

In a statement provided to the New York Post by DeGiorgio’s legal representation, they emphasized that their client acted in response to perceived harassment toward his wife, highlighting that he felt compelled to protect her. They characterized the charge as a minor misdemeanor and expressed confidence that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

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