Former Taco Bell exec accused of assaulting Uber driver files $5M lawsuit

The former Taco Bell corporate marketing manager accused of attacking an Uber driver in Costa Mesa, Calif., is now suing that driver for $5 million, claiming that the recording was made without his consent.

According to Orange County Superior Court records, Benjamin Golden, 32, said the video was recorded unknowingly and without his permission while he was intoxicated and was an invasion of his privacy.

According to Golden's lawsuit, not only did driver Edward Caban let him into the vehicle knowing that he was intoxicated, but he also claims that he was forced out of the car because Caban could not locate his address. He also suggested Caban was unwilling to drive him home, and Golden didn't know where he was when Caban stopped the car. 

“Mr. Golden was unaware of his location and began to fear for his safety and well-being,” the suit says.

Golden claimed that the release of the video caused him severe emotional distress, humiliation, anxiety, the loss of his employment and the inability to get another job.  According to his lawsuit, posting the video online was "so extreme as to exceed all bounds of that usually tolerated in a civilized community."

Although Golden's attorney declined to comment on the allegations, a lawyer representing the Uber driver called the suit "bogus."

“He’s now blaming everybody else and not taking responsibility for his conduct,” Rivers J. Morrell III said. “I don’t buy it, and I think it will make him look even worse than he already does.”

Golden's suit stems from a lawsuit filed in November by the Uber driver, Los Angeles Times reported. Caban filed a suit against Golden claiming assault, battery and infliction of emotional distress.

Golden is also facing four misdemeanor counts, including assault and battery, according to the Orange County district attorney's office. 

Following the release of the video, Uber told the Los Angeles Times that Golden had been permanently banned from using the service.

Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitiesmith