Overview

• Kenneth DeGiorgio, 53, has been charged with federal assault for allegedly choking a man aboard the Resilient Lady cruise ship in international waters near Martinique.
• The incident began when DeGiorgio’s wife, Nichol, asked the victim to stop dancing barefoot, leading to an exchange of insults and a physical confrontation.
• Surveillance footage reportedly shows DeGiorgio choking the victim and threatening to kill him, with the victim later describing the assault as feeling like his throat was being ripped out.
• DeGiorgio’s legal team claims he acted to protect his wife, who they say felt threatened and intimidated, and he looks forward to being cleared of wrongdoing.
• If convicted of the misdemeanor assault charge, DeGiorgio could face up to one year in jail under U.S. federal maritime jurisdiction.