VIDEO: Uber CEO Argues With Driver Over Falling Fares

Once again Uber is in hot water after the release of a video revealing its CEO Travis Kalanick arguing with an Uber driver over the company’s business practices. The ride-hailing company has had a rough couple of months, with the #DeleteUber trend resulting in 200,000 users doing just that and a recent high-profile article saying the company had swept accusations of sexual assault under the rug.

Kalanick was taking an Uber Black car on Superbowl Sunday with two friends through San Francisco, where Uber’s headquarters is located. After his companions left the car, the driver, Fawzi Kamel, introduced himself and the action began.

The two started talking about future Black Car policies and how the prices for UberX rides had dropped over the years; according to an article by Bloomberg, Uber Black prices have also been cut in San Francisco. As a result, many drivers have protested the rate cuts, frustrated by the dwindling take-home pay.

When the two later disagreed on whether or not prices have been lowered for Uber Black, things start to get heated. The driver blamed Kalenick for causing him to be $97,000 in debt because Uber keeps changing its policies, while Kalenick asserted that he’s had to lower prices in order to stay competitive. Kalenick appeared to be relatively civil, although frustrated until this accusation, at which point he left the car, telling the driver, “Some people don’t like to take responsibility for their own sh*t. They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck.” This, by the way, is probably not a great thing to say when you’re the CEO of a multinational company that’s worth $69 billion.

Kalanick sent a company-wide email yesterday after the publication of the video, apologizing for his actions. Kalanick wrote:

“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.”

H/T: Bloomberg