CEO Accused of Choking Barefoot Dancer on Cruise Ship
Most passengers expected a carefree evening aboard the Resilient Lady®, a sleek, adults-only cruise liner cutting through Caribbean waters. But one night's entertainment took a sudden turn when a barefoot dancer and a high-powered CEO clashed — ending in a federal assault charge, a locked stateroom, and a trip neither man will likely forget.
What Happened on the Dance Floor
On March 31, 2025, 70 nautical miles off the coast of Martinique, guests on Virgin® Voyages' Resilient Lady gathered at the ship's bar, On the Rocks. There, amid flashing lights and upbeat music, a man began dancing barefoot.
It was the kind of scene you'd expect on a laid-back cruise. But according to a federal criminal complaint, what followed wasn't part of the itinerary.
Authorities say that Kenneth DeGiorgio, the CEO of First American Financial Corporation, allegedly choked the barefoot passenger — identified only as M.A. — on the dance floor after a tense exchange involving DeGiorgio's wife.
Shoes Off, Tempers On
The incident reportedly began when DeGiorgio's wife, Nichol, asked M.A. to put on shoes. According to Global News, a federal criminal complaint described the incident, saying, "N. DeGiorgio told him, 'Look we are all grown-ups here, can you put your shoes on?' The male responded, 'Shut up you f------ b----,'" the complaint alleges."
Surveillance footage captures that M.A. also gave Nichol DeGiorgio the middle finger — shortly before DeGiorgio reportedly stood up, crossed the dance floor, and grabbed M.A. by the neck.
According to NBC News, M.A. said DeGiorgio used so much force it felt like his "throat was going to be ripped out" and that the CEO allegedly stated that he was going to kill him.
A CEO Under Scrutiny
Kenneth DeGiorgio, who leads a California-based company that employs more than 19,000 people and reported over $6 billion in revenue last year, now faces a federal charge of assault within maritime jurisdiction. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison.
After the incident, the ship's captain confined DeGiorgio to his stateroom until the ship reached its next port, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Upon arrival, when questioned by FBI agents, DeGiorgio declined to answer and requested a lawyer.
In a statement reported by NBC News, DeGiorgio's legal team said, "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."
Ongoing Investigation, Heated Opinions
While the FBI maintains the assault is clearly captured on video, the case remains open. Nichol DeGiorgio, in her own interview with authorities, stated that the victim never touched her — and admitted she may have escalated things by asking him to wear shoes.
With conflicting accounts and an upcoming legal process, the cruise ship incident raises broader questions about public behavior, personal boundaries—and how quickly things can escalate, even in paradise.
References: C.E.O. Choked Man Who Danced Barefoot on Cruise Ship, U.S. Says | CEO accused of choking man on cruise ship over barefoot dancing incident | CEO accused of choking man and threatening to kill him on cruise ship
