Al Roker Files NYC Taxi Complaint, Accuses Driver Of Discrimination

Al Roker has filed a discrimination complaint with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, alleging that a cabbie bypassed him in favor of a white would-be passenger.

Al Roker’s Taxi Complaint

“Filed a complaint today after getting passed up again by a NYC Yellow cab. Cabbie picked up a white guy a block away. Wonder why Uber wins?” Roker wrote on Twitter. “This happens to folks of color every day. And while most cabbies do their job, there are those ignorant, racist ones who hurt the others.”

“What really hurts, my 13 yr. old boy was with me and asked why the cabbie passed us. I said, ‘Nick, ignorant people make dumb choices,'” Roker added. “Hopefully @nyctaxi weeds out the bad apples. Looking forward to a hearing and dealing with this. I will keep you posted.”

The cabbie Roker has accused of racial discrimination is Mahabur Rahman. If Rahman is found guilty, he faces $1,350 in penalties and a possible 30-day suspension, according to the New York Daily News. This is not the first time Rahman has been accused of refusing service to a passenger, according to the News, which reported he settled the allegation for $200 back in May.

Rahman could settle the complaint filed by Roker for $500. It’s uncertain if Rahman will take the plea deal, but the Bangladesh native claims that he’s not guilty of discrimination.

“I tell you honestly, I didn’t see him. Black, white, it doesn’t matter. It’s a misunderstanding. Maybe he saw me and I didn’t see him. How I refuse him?” Rahman said to the News. “Anybody would pick him. He looks like a gentleman.”