First American Financial CEO Charged After Allegedly Choking and Threatening Passenger on the Resilient Lady
In a disturbing incident on the high seas, Kenneth DeGiorgio, the CEO of First American Financial Corporation, has been charged with federal assault. The CEO is under investigation following an alleged altercation on a Virgin Voyages cruise. The incident took place aboard the Resilient Lady, roughly 70 nautical miles off the coast of Martinique. DeGiorgio reportedly choked a fellow passenger, identified as M.A., after a confrontation involving his wife.
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What Led to the Altercation?
According to the criminal complaint, the confrontation began when M.A., the victim, was dancing barefoot at the ship’s On the Rocks bar. DeGiorgio’s wife, Nichol, politely asked M.A. to put his shoes on, to which M.A. responded with expletives and offensive gestures. Witnesses say the situation escalated quickly, with DeGiorgio standing up, walking over to M.A., and allegedly choking him. Surveillance footage confirmed the physical altercation, showing M.A. stumbling under DeGiorgio’s control. The CEO also allegedly made a violent threat to kill him.
“[It felt like my] throat was going to be ripped out.”
– DeGiorgio’s victim
DeGiorgio’s Defense
In his defense, DeGiorgio’s legal team insists that the CEO was acting in self-defense, responding to the verbal harassment aimed at his wife. They also indicated that the charges were a minor misdemeanor and expressed confidence that DeGiorgio would be absolved of any wrongdoing.
“Mr. DeGiorgio responded to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, making her feel threatened and intimidated. Although charged with a simple misdemeanor, Mr. DeGiorgio looks forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing.”
– spokesperson on DeGiorgio’s legal team
DeGiorgio’s actions have sparked legal and public backlash, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the incident. DeGiorgio was detained upon the ship’s arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He declined to answer questions from law enforcement, requesting legal counsel instead.
As DeGiorgio prepares for his day in court, the impact of this incident on his career and the broader cruise industry remains to be seen. The high-profile nature of this case, involving a prominent CEO and a violent altercation aboard a cruise ship, will likely keep it in the headlines for some time.
Cruise Industry Implications: Ensuring Passenger Safety
While incidents of violence on cruise ships are rare, this case may lead to heightened scrutiny of cruise lines’ procedures for handling disputes between passengers. It raises questions about how security is managed on board and what measures cruise lines should take to prevent confrontations from escalating into violence. It is crucial for cruise companies to reassess their protocols to ensure that all guests enjoy a safe and peaceful environment.
