HousingWireHousingWire
Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of First American Financial Corp., has been charged with assault following an altercation aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise ship, according to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, which was first revealed by The Independent.
The incident occurred on March 31 aboard the Resilient Lady, an adults-only cruise ship.
According to the FBI, the altercation started after DeGiorgio’s wife approached a man dancing barefoot at a cruise ship bar and requested that he put shoes on.
The man allegedly responded with a “crude remark” and was seen on security footage giving her the middle finger. Shortly after, DeGiorgio allegedly grabbed him by the neck and began choking him on the dance floor. The victim told authorities DeGiorgio threatened to kill him, a claim reportedly corroborated by surveillance video.
DeGiorgio was confined to his stateroom by the ship’s captain until the vessel arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the following day, according to the FBI.
Once docked, DeGiorgio reportedly declined to answer questions and requested legal counsel.
DeGiorgio, who lives in the Los Angeles area, was charged with misdemeanor assault, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison. He has since been released.
He took over as CEO at First American in February 2022 after serving as president since May 2021. He joined the company in 1999 and and has overseen banking operations, the international division and multiple corporate functions across his tenure. He received $7.8 million in total compensation last year, according to SEC filings.
In a statement provided to HousingWire, DeGiorgio’s legal team rejected claims that he was the aggressor, stating: “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.”
First American Financial did not immediately respond to HousingWire’s request for comment.
