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Uber boss promises to 'grow up'

Uber's CEO has pledged to mend his ways after being caught on video arguing with one of his own drivers.

An exterior view of the headquarters of Uber
Uber's CEO has pledged to mend his ways after being caught on video arguing with one of his drivers. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Uber's CEO is known for battling with critics and local governments, but a video of an argument with one of his own drivers has him pledging to change his ways.

In the dashcam video obtained by Bloomberg News, CEO Travis Kalanick is seen discussing Uber's business model with driver Fawzi Kamel. The driver argues that Kalanick is lowering fares and claims "I'm bankrupt because of you."

Kalanick lashes back. "You know what? Some people don't like to take responsibility for their own s**t. They blame everything in their life on somebody else. Good luck," he says, then slams the door.

After the video went public, Kalanick issued a statement to Uber employees. In it, he apologised to Kamel, as well as Uber's drivers.

"This is the first time I've been willing to admit that I need leadership help and I intend to get it," he said, adding that he needs to "grow up."

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The outburst, reportedly from early in February, is the latest in a string of problems for Kalanick and his company, which has become a global ride-hailing giant largely by challenging laws and authorities.

Among the issues: charges of sexual harassment from a former employee, allegations it stole self-driving technology from Google, and a controversy tied to President Donald Trump's travel ban.


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