COSTA MESA, Calif. (CBS NEWS) – A marketing executive caught on camera violently attacking an Uber driver is apologizing for his bad behavior. Taco bell fired Ben Golden after the video went viral.
Golden says he has no memory of this violent behavior caught on camera during a Friday night Uber ride.
“It’s not be in the video. It’s not me. It was hard to watch, and I am ashamed,” Golden said.
Golden said he lost count of how many drinks he had that night. Moments before the attack, video shows him falling over in the back seat and arguing with his driver.
It’s when he is ordered out of the car that Golden snaps.
“I’m not one to get in fights. I think a lot of people who I know are in shock by what they saw,” Golden said.
Driver Edward Caban used pepper spray to defend himself. He says he is afraid of Golden and has no intention of meeting him for an apology.
“He says it’s not him, but that’s the only him I know,” Caban said.
Golden was arrested shortly after he left the car. He is facing assault and battery charges.
“I’ve worked so hard, and I’ve tried so hard and I had a stupid night. It’s my fault, and I’ve thrown everything away,” Golden said.
Caban is suing for at least $25,000 for assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“I’m going to make it right. I think that is the only thing I can do, you know?” Golden said.
Golden pleaded guilty to a DUI charge three years ago. He says he does not think he has a drinking problem.
