Reports from the FBI indicate that an altercation began on a cruise ship when Kenneth DeGiorgio’s wife approached a man dancing barefoot at a bar and asked him to put on shoes.
Allegedly, the man responded with a rude comment and was captured on security footage gesturing obscenely at her. Shortly after, DeGiorgio reportedly grabbed him by the neck and started choking him on the dance floor. The victim claimed DeGiorgio threatened to kill him, a statement supported by surveillance video evidence.
DeGiorgio was confined to his stateroom by the ship’s captain until they reached San Juan, Puerto Rico the next day, as per the FBI.
Upon docking, DeGiorgio opted not to answer questions and requested legal representation.
Living in the Los Angeles area, DeGiorgio faced charges of misdemeanor assault, with a potential maximum sentence of one year in prison. He has since been released.
Assuming the role of CEO at First American in February 2022 after being president since May 2021, DeGiorgio has been with the company since 1999. He has overseen various aspects of the business, earning $7.8 million in total compensation last year, according to SEC filings.
In a statement provided to HousingWire, DeGiorgio’s legal team denied that he was the instigator, asserting: “Mr. DeGiorgio reacted to the actions of an individual who harassed his wife, causing her to feel threatened and intimidated. While facing a misdemeanor charge, Mr. DeGiorgio anticipates being cleared of any wrongdoing.”
First American Financial did not respond immediately to HousingWire’s request for comment.