Danish Siddiqui/File Photo/Reuters
Travis Kalanick, the embattled CEO of Uber, apologized profusely Tuesday night after a video emerged of him arguing with a driver over the company’s declining fare rates. “To say that I am ashamed is an extreme understatement,” he said. “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.” The driver, Fawzi Kamel, 37, leaked the footage to Bloomberg News to highlight the plight of Uber drivers and show the CEO’s careless attitude toward their struggles. When a companion of Kalanick notes that Uber has had a rough year, the CEO cavalierly replied, “That’s kind of how I roll. I make sure every year is a hard year. If it’s easy I’m not pushing hard enough.” When Kamel enters the discussion, he tells the CEO that after the “black car” service-rate cuts, “people are not trusting you anymore… I lost $97,000 because of you. I’m bankrupt because of you.” Kalanick repeatedly responded with the retort of “Bullshit,” eventually telling the driver: “Some people don’t like to take responsibility for their own shit. They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck!” Kalanick also been under fire for his ties to the Trump administration, the company’s treatment of female engineers, and controversial service during a taxi boycott during the White House travel-ban protests.