Asian Am Uber driver in racial assault speaks out

A Laotian American Uber driver in Charlotte, NC is speaking out after being verbally assaulted by a passenger.

Outhay Chokbengboun is a longtime resident in the community and works part time for Uber, according to WSOC.

“I don’t understand why people want to do that,” he said to WSOC. “I’m just trying to do my job, and be on my way, that’s all.”

In the video, a woman identified as Stella Thomas can be heard saying  “go back to Asia” to the driver in a demeaning manner.

 Chokbengboun says the confrontation started when the group requested to be taken to a different location that what they originally inputted into the Uber app. He said he explained to the group that he was driving and could not change the location, but requested that they change the location themselves.

When the situation escalated, he said he pulled into the gas station and asked them to exit the vehicle.

That’s when things really escalated, with Thomas saying   “f*cking as*hole, Go back to Asia.”

According to MEAWW, representatives of AB Ludvig Svensson confirm Thomas works for the company as a marketing manager. It says it has suspended Thomas until a final decision can be made.

“We at Ludvig Svensson strongly object to this kind of behavior. Disciplinary actions are being taken as we speak. We support a safe and all-inclusive work environment,” said company president  Mauricio Manotas.

“Our company enforces a multicultural environment and unfortunately this is something people do,” another representative of Svensson said. “She’s been with the company a long time and she’s been a very good asset.” 

Chokbengboun told WSOC he tried to deescalate the situation, but to no avail.

“I’m just trying to be calm and you know, let her do her thing and I just want her out of my car, but she started coming behind my car and stuff like that and wanted my address,” he said.

AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story or making a contribution.