A video has been released showing Uber CEO, Travis Kalanick, yelling at Uber Black driver Fawzi Kamel about the drop in fares when using the ride sharing service.
What started out as a calm conversation, quickly turned a bit heated when Kamel told Kalanick that he had ‘lost nearly $100,000’ and ‘become bankrupt’ because of changes the CEO made to the service.
The heated exchange is in stark contrast to the ride before the passengers, who comprised of Kalanick and two female friends, arrived at their destination as they can be seen having a normal conversation with each other while listening to Maroon 5.
But once the car stopped, driver Kamel took his moment to let his boss know his thoughts on the changes happening to the ride sharing service, saying, “You’re raising the standards, and you’re dropping the prices,
“People are not trusting you any more… You keep changing every day”.
In response, Kalanick said that the drop in prices for the high-end service of Uber was “bullshit” and, before getting out the car, said that, “Some people don’t like to take responsibility for their own shit,” he said. “They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck!” before slamming the door behind him and going on with this evening.
Once the video, which was reportedly recorded on Feb. 5, 2017, was released on the Feb. 28, the CEO released an apology for his behaviour and words towards Kamel, saying, “It’s clear this video is a reflection of me”.
Here is his full apology:
“By now I’m sure you’ve seen the video where I treated an Uber driver disrespectfully. To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement.
My job as your leader is to lead…and that starts with behaving in a way that makes us all proud. That is not what I did, and it cannot be explained away.
It’s clear this video is a reflection of me—and the criticism we’ve received is a stark reminder that I must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up. This is the first time I’ve been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it.
I want to profoundly apologize to Fawzi, as well as the driver and rider community, and to the Uber team.
Travis".
While it’s currently unknown if the driver in this situation has accepted his boss’ apology, it seems clear that the CEO is sorry and intends on making the necessary changes to his personality and leadership skills to be and act in a more appropriate manner.