April 4, 2025 – San Juan, PR
Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of First American Financial Corp., is facing a federal assault charge after allegedly choking a fellow passenger aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady cruise ship.
The altercation, which took place on March 31 in international waters, was captured on surveillance video at the ship’s “On The Rocks” bar. According to a federal complaint filed on April 1, DeGiorgio physically attacked a man, identified as M.A., after a verbal exchange involving DeGiorgio’s wife, Nichol.
The incident reportedly began when M.A., who was dancing barefoot, was asked by Nichol DeGiorgio to put on his shoes. In response, M.A. allegedly shouted an expletive at her and gave her the middle finger. Moments later, Kenneth DeGiorgio crossed the dance floor and grabbed M.A. by the neck.
Security footage reviewed by the ship’s staff and the FBI confirmed the assault. The complaint states that DeGiorgio threatened the man, saying, “I am going to f—ing kill you,” while choking him with such force that the victim feared for his life.
Nichol DeGiorgio later told investigators she regretted confronting M.A. and confirmed he had not physically touched her. After the incident, Kenneth DeGiorgio was confined to his cabin until the ship reached San Juan, Puerto Rico.
When contacted by authorities, DeGiorgio invoked his right to legal counsel and declined to answer questions. His legal team later stated he was acting in defense of his wife, who they say felt threatened by the victim’s behavior.
DeGiorgio faces a misdemeanor charge of assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction, which carries a potential sentence of up to one year in prison.
