In another startling case involving Uber, an investor in it Shervin Pishevar, who is considered to be close to Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick, is alleged to have sexually assaulted or harassed five women, reported Bloomberg.
The women accused Pishevar of exploiting a professional connection. They alleged him of using the prospect of a job, mentorship or investment to make an unwanted sexual advance. Women requested not to be identified citing fear of lawsuits and career in security.
On May 27, 2017, Pishevar was arrested in London after a woman accused him of raping her at the Ned hotel. Though later he was released and never charged again, according to London Police. He sued what he described as an opposition research firm, claiming it was trying to spread false allegations about him.
Pishevar, co-founder and managing director of Sherpa Capital, is considered a powerful figure. He is known to have good relation ship with Kalanick and defended when he was resigned as chief executive officer and sued by another investor.
However, Pishevar’s representatives in a statement said, “We are confident that these anecdotes will be shown to be untrue.”
Uber controversies
This is not the first time ride-hailing firm has been in controversies. This year the ride-hailing app was surrounded by series of allegations including seeking report of rape victim by top official. After the incident, Uber saw string of departure including head of business Emil Micheal and President Jeff Jones. A video also showing Kalanick arguing with Uber’s driver went viral on social site.
The company’s founder Travis resigned from his post in June, following months of setbacks related to the company’s culture. In Feb 2017, Susan Fowler, a former Uber engineer, published a blog post explaining her recent departure from the company and accusing Uber of sexual harassment. Despite all these controversies, Uber has been valued at $69 billion.
