Is Uber’s ‘commitment to safety’ enough to counter assault allegations?

The transportation startup came under fire regarding the welfare of its users. This time, Executive statements and continued promises may not quell the company’s perception problems. 

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On Saturday, South African pop star Nikki Williams tweeted this message to her 52,000 followers:

Just reported my Uber driver for sexual Harrassment. He tried to grab & kiss on me in my own driveway. Fought him off and ran inside. #WTF

— Nikki Williams (@nikkiwilliams) December 20, 2014

Uber spokeswoman Kaitlin Durkosh told Mashable, “Uber has zero tolerance for this behavior, and we apologize to Ms. Williams for this terrible experience. We immediately deactivated the driver, and have begun an investigation.”

But the incident brought to mind two recent rape allegations against Uber drivers in New Delhi and Boston. The accused rapist in the Boston case passed Uber’s background check and was an authorized Uber driver, according to statements from the company.

Durkosh issued the following statement in the wake of the Boston news:

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