- The CEO of California-based title insurance and settlement business First American Financial is facing a criminal charge after he allegedly assaulted another passenger on a Virgin Voyages cruise he was taking with his wife. Kenneth D. DeGiorgio’s lawyers told news outlets he was defending his wife.
The 53-year-old CEO of First American Financial, Kenneth D. DeGiorgio, is facing a criminal charge for allegedly assaulting a passenger aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise he was on with his wife, after the man allegedly took his shoes off to dance. According to reports, DeGiorgio’s wife, Nichol DeGiorgio, had asked the man to put his shoes back on while on the dance floor at a bar on the ship called On The Rocks.
“Look, we are all grown-ups here—can you put your shoes on?” Nichol DeGiorgio asked, according to the New York Times.
In response, the male passenger allegedly insulted DeGiorgio and a video allegedly showed the passenger giving her the middle finger. According to NBC, a video showed DeGiorgio walk over the passenger and allegedly start choking him. The cruise-ship passenger told authorities that DeGiorgio also allegedly threatened him during the assault, saying, “I am going to f—ing kill you.”
Lawyers for DeGiorgio told news outlets the CEO was protecting his wife, who felt threatened and intimidated.
“Although charged with a simple misdemeanor, Mr. DeGiorgio looks forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing.”
DeGiorgio remained in his cabin following the alleged assault until the cruise docked in San Juan the following day.
DeGiorgio has served as CEO of First American Financial since February 2022, previously serving as president with oversight of the title insurance, speciality insurance, and data analytics businesses. The $6 billion company granted DeGiorgio a raise in February, bringing his salary to $1 million. His total pay was valued at $7.8 million in 2024.
First American Financial did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com