Uber driver 'kicks lesbian couple out of car for kissing'

A lesbian couple in New York City were forced out of an Uber by the driver on Sunday after they reportedly shared a quick kiss in the car.

26-year-old Alex Iovine and her girlfriend Emma Pichl, 24, hailed a car on Sunday afternoon to head from one birthday party to another, reports the New York Daily News.

However, shortly into their journey, they were ejected from the car by the irate driver who seemed to take exception to them sharing a "peck" on the back seat.

Speaking to Daily News,Iovine said:

We were sitting on opposite sides of the car. We leaned in for a peck, and that’s what it was, a legit peck.

This prompted the driver to pull over the car and told them to leave his vehicle much to their bemusement.

The driver, who has been identified as 35-year-old Ahmed Elbotari, told them that what they did was "illegal" and that they "aren't allowed to do this".

Alex shared a video of the incident on her Facebook page.

The Daily News contacted Elbotari who said that he "didn't feel comfortable" with the women's actions and that they were also playing videos on their phones and displaying other behaviours that he deemed inappropriate.

After the story was reported, Uber issued an apology and refunded the couple their $22 fare.

Uber spokeswoman Susan Hendrick condemned the actions of the driver in a statement issued to the Daily News.

Uber does not tolerate any form of discrimination, and we have reached out to the rider regarding her experience.

We are investigating and will take appropriate action.​

Furthermore, the Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that drivers who display homophobia don't shouldn't be in the profession.

He told the New York Post:

I think they don’t belong driving period.

This is an open society and Uber is a platform that is available to anybody regardless of your background, your orientation, and that is sacred to us.

It’s an unfortunate circumstance and we will do everything we can for that not to repeat.

Uber and New York's Taxi and Limousine Commission have confirmed that they are investigating the incident.

HT Daily Dot

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