What began as a night of dancing aboard a cruise ship ended in criminal charges for a senior corporate executive, who now faces a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from a heated altercation at sea.

The incident took place on March 31 aboard the Resilient Lady cruise operated by Virgin Voyages. According to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI, tensions flared when a woman approached a barefoot man on the dance floor and asked him to wear shoes. The man allegedly responded with a crude remark and an obscene gesture, both of which were reportedly captured on security footage.

Moments later, the woman’s husband allegedly confronted the man, grabbing him by the neck and choking him. The victim told authorities he was also threatened with death — a claim the FBI says is corroborated by surveillance video from the ship.

The vessel’s captain intervened, confining the accused to his stateroom for the remainder of the voyage. Upon the ship’s arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the following day, he reportedly declined to speak with investigators and requested legal counsel.

Federal authorities later charged the man with misdemeanor assault, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison. He has since been released.

The accused, a resident of the Los Angeles area, has held senior leadership positions at a major financial services company for over two decades.