A taxi driver has been sacked after making a “vile” remark to former Adelaide radio host Ali Clarke during a late-night cab ride.
Clarke broke down in tears in an emotional Instagram video, recounting the “horrible” incident.
The driver allegedly refused to take her home due to a short fare and then insulted her with an offensive comment. Clarke reported the incident to 13CABS, which swiftly removed the driver from its network.
“We do not tolerate any driver behaviour that doesn’t meet our strict standard of conduct,” the company said in a statement.
The Taxi Council South Australia also condemned the incident, reminding drivers that refusing short fares is illegal.
Clarke thanked 13CABS for their action and encouraged others to speak up, saying,
“It shouldn’t take me being an ex-radio person for this to become a discussion.”
Clarke, who previously hosted Mix 102.3’s breakfast show, reported the driver after he refused her fare and verbally abused her during a late-night cab ride on Friday.
“He said, ‘You need to get out, your p***y smells’,” Clarke revealed in an emotional Instagram video, explaining that she had simply asked the driver to take her home after attending the Woman of the Year awards at SkyCity in Adelaide’s CBD.
The driver initially refused to take her, claiming he had been waiting for a longer fare. When Clarke took a photograph of his details, he became aggressive and hurled the crude insult before driving away.
Clarke’s videwo post resonated with many, as fans and fellow women shared their own experiences of feeling unsafe while using taxis and ride-share services. Clarke emphasised the importance of speaking up, especially on International Women’s Day.
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