First American CEO allegedly choked passenger who insulted his wife, FBI complaint says
The CEO of a southern California-based home mortgage lending company was arrested Tuesday after allegedly assaulting a fellow passenger aboard a cruise ship, according to federal authorities.
Kenneth DeGiorgio, who leads First American Financial Corporation, was charged with assault within maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States following a confrontation on a Virgin Voyages cruise Monday, a federal complaint revealed.
The incident reportedly began at the “On The Rocks” bar on the ship, where DeGiorgio’s wife asked a barefoot man to put on shoes while dancing. “Look, we are all grown-ups here, can you put your shoes on?” she said, according to her statement to FBI agents.
The man allegedly responded with “Shut up, you fucking bitch,” and gave her the middle finger, as shown in surveillance footage cited in the complaint.
Moments later, DeGiorgio appears in the video, placing both hands around the man’s neck and choking him. The footage shows the victim stumbling and falling. The man later told investigators he felt like his throat was going to be ripped out and recalled DeGiorgio threatening, “I am going to fucking kill you.”
DeGiorgio declined to answer questions from the FBI without a lawyer. His wife told agents she regretted confronting the man and acknowledged that he never physically touched her.
A spokesperson for DeGiorgio’s legal team told the New York Times that he “responded to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, making her feel threatened and intimidated.” They added, “Although charged with a simple misdemeanor, Mr. DeGiorgio looks forward to being absolved of any wrongdoing.”
DeGiorgio took the helm as CEO of First American Financial in 2022, succeeding longtime chief executive Dennis Gilmore, who transitioned to chairman of the board. DeGiorgio had previously served as the company's president, overseeing key segments such as title insurance, specialty insurance, and data and analytics.
Having joined First American in 1999, DeGiorgio has held leadership roles across a variety of the firm’s divisions, including its international, banking, and corporate operations.
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First American Financial, based in Southern California, is a provider of title insurance, settlement services, and risk solutions for real estate transactions. The company also offers products in valuation, property records, title plant management, home warranty, and wealth management services.
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