CEO Faces Assault Charge from Cruise Ship Incident

Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of First American Financial, faces federal assault charges following an altercation aboard the Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady cruise ship. The incident began when DeGiorgio's wife, Nichol, asked a barefoot man, identified as M.A., to put on shoes, which led to a verbal exchange. M.A. allegedly reacted with an obscene gesture and insult, prompting DeGiorgio to confront and choke him while threatening to kill him, as captured by surveillance footage. The incident occurred in international waters near Martinique, and DeGiorgio was confined to his cabin until the ship docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he was detained by authorities. DeGiorgio's legal team asserts he acted in defense of his wife, who felt threatened and intimidated by M.A.'s behavior, and he looks forward to defending himself against the misdemeanor charge. If convicted, DeGiorgio could face up to a year in prison.