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Financial CEO Faces Federal Assault Charge After Cruise Ship Altercation

Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of First American Financial, is accused of choking and threatening a fellow passenger in a dispute over barefoot dancing.

Resilient Lady, a cruise ship operated by Virgin Voyages, on Aug. 17, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal.
View of the Virgin Voyages cruise ship Valiant Lady calling at the port of Marseille.
First American Financial Corporation CEO Kenneth DeGiorgio is charged with assault for allegedly choking a fellow cruise passenger.

Overview

  • Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of First American Financial, has been charged with assault under U.S. maritime law after an incident aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship.
  • The altercation began when DeGiorgio's wife, Nichol, asked a fellow passenger to stop dancing barefoot, prompting a verbal exchange.
  • Surveillance footage captured DeGiorgio crossing the dance floor, choking the victim, and allegedly threatening to kill him.
  • The victim reported feeling as though his throat was going to be ripped out during the assault, which occurred in international waters near Martinique.
  • DeGiorgio's legal team claims he acted to protect his wife, though she later expressed regret for initiating the confrontation and confirmed the victim never physically touched her.