A cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady took a serious turn after a passenger allegedly assaulted another guest on the dance floor.
Kenneth DeGiorgio, CEO of California-based First American Financial, is now facing a federal assault charge tied to an incident involving his wife and a barefoot passenger at the ship’s “On the Rocks” bar.
According to The New York Times, the altercation began when DeGiorgio’s wife, Nichol, asked a man to put his shoes back on while dancing.
“Look, we are all grown-ups here—can you put your shoes on?” she reportedly said.
The passenger allegedly responded with a crude comment and gave her the middle finger.
The Times reports that security footage shows DeGiorgio walking over and choking the man, who later told authorities that he was threatened during the attack.
A criminal complaint filed in Puerto Rico says the incident occurred in international waters around 70 nautical miles off Martinique on March 31, during the 10-night “Puerto Rican Daze & Caribbean Nights” sailing. The voyage departed from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 22 and was on its final sea day after visiting seven Caribbean ports.
According to interview statements, the man, identified only by the initials M.A., was not physically aggressive. DeGiorgio was confined to his RockStar Suite by the ship’s captain and held there until the vessel returned to San Juan on April 1, when he was taken into custody by FBI agents.
“I was on that cruise and saw someone dancing barefoot at the On the Rocks bar,” a passenger told Cruise Radio.
“He seemed harmless—just enjoying himself and getting into the music. It’s really sad that things escalated the way they did.”
Other guests on social media noted “how uncommon” altercations are on Virgin Voyages with its tight security.
DeGiorgio’s legal team says he was protecting his wife, who felt harassed, and that he looks forward to being cleared of wrongdoing.
If convicted, he could face up to a year in prison for violating 18 U.S.C. 113(a)(4), which covers assault in maritime and territorial jurisdictions.
First American Financial and Virgin Voyages have not replied to a request for comment by The New York Times.
Resilient Lady is currently sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. In late April, it will reposition in Europe for the Mediterranean season.
