Taco Bell fires executive accused of attacking an Uber driver
Benjamin Golden, 32, was the head of mobile commerce and innovation at Taco Bell, according to an online bio.
He was arrested this weekend in Costa Mesa, California, after a video of his alleged assault on Edward Caban, an Uber driver, went viral online, CNBC reports.
"Given the behavior of the individual, it is clear he can no longer work for us," Taco Bell said in a statement provided to Business Insider. "We have also offered and encouraged him to seek professional help."
We reached out to Taco Bell for comment and will update when we hear back.
Police have identified Golden as the passenger in the dashcam video. The recording shows Golden punching Caban, pulling his hair, and slamming his head against the car window.
On his YouTube page, Caban claims he picked up Golden on October 30 and Golden, who appears drunk in the video, refused to give him an address for his destination.
Caban said he got uncomfortable during the ride and pulled over and asked Golden to get out of the car.
That's when Golden started hitting and punching Caban, according to the video.
Caban then pepper-sprayed Golden, which ended the confrontation.
According to an online bio, Golden is a seven-year veteran of Taco Bell's parent company, Yum! Brands. The bio also describes him as "a southerner who enjoys mint juleps and horse racing."