Uber CEO Travis Kalanick has issued a statement to Uber employees apologizing for a video in which he insulted a driver, saying he needs to “grow up” and get “leadership help.”
The video, obtained by Bloomberg, was recorded by driver Fawzi Kamel in early February on Super Bowl Sunday. It’s just over six minutes long, and at the four-minute mark, and awkward conversation begins that ends with Kamel telling Kalanick, “I lost $97,000 because of you, I’m bankrupt because of you.” Kalanick starts to lose his temper, calling “bulls—” on Kamel.
“You know what? Some people don’t like to take responsibility for their own s—. They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck!” Kalanick replies.
Here is his 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.