A Toronto-based model and former Miss Slovakia says she was ordered out of an Uber vehicle late at night after the driver discovered she was Jewish, in an incident she describes as a direct act of antisemitism.
Confrontation at a Busy Intersection
Miriam Mattova, 33, told the National Post the event occurred just after midnight on November 30. A friend had ordered the ride for her. During the trip, Mattova was on a FaceTime call speaking casually about a recent visit to Israel.
According to Mattova, the female driver then abruptly slammed on the brakes at a busy intersection and told her to get out of the car. "When Mattova questioned the driver, the driver told her she didn't feel 'comfortable' with Mattova in the car," the report states. "So I asked why, and the driver told me that they do not drive Jewish people," Mattova said.
Uber's Response and Calls for Accountability
Mattova exited the vehicle and ordered another Uber to complete her journey home. She and the friend who booked the ride both reported the incident to Uber. The company contacted her on December 4—four days later—to apologize and state they would be "following up with this driver to try to ensure an incident like this does not occur again." The fare was refunded.
"A serious incident involving hate should trigger immediate action within 24 hours. Anything less allows prejudice to just go unchecked," Mattova criticized. She expressed concern that Uber has not confirmed whether the driver remains active on the platform, citing the driver's privacy. "Any responsible company, in my opinion, would immediately remove a driver who refuses to take someone because they are Jewish," she added.
Speaking Out Against Rising Antisemitism
Mattova, a Slovakian-Canadian public figure, has been vocal in condemning antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. She says she has faced backlash and hateful messages online for her support but remains committed to speaking out. "What happened isn't just an unpleasant moment. It's a reminder of why speaking up matters," she said. "And discrimination must be met with accountability, not silence."
In a statement to the National Post, an Uber spokesperson said: "Discrimination is unacceptable, and we're deeply sorry for the experience this rider had. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected when using Uber. We've contacted the rider directly and taken appropriate action on the driver." The company did not specify what action was taken against the driver.
