The incident involving Leydy González, dubbed as #LadyUber by social media users, has generated significant outrage after footage emerged showing her threatening Uber driver, Isaac Jorge Lozoya, with false accusations of harassment if he didn't speed up. The confrontation took place on January 23, 2025, along Avenida Revolución, near Mixcoac, Mexico City, capturing the stark realities of ride-sharing dynamics and the potential dangers of unfounded allegations.
According to multiple reports, González was irate over the traffic conditions and expressed her frustration vocally. "Avánzale, pita, písale, písale, aprende a manejar, pásate para allá o te voy a reportar. No me voy a bajar, te voy a reportar," she shouted, demanding the driver to accelerate and threatening to report him if he did not comply.
What started as a tense negotiation over speed quickly escalated when Lozoya requested her to exit the vehicle after her aggressive behavior became untenable. "Señorita, le estoy pidiendo que se baje, yo no voy a manejar así," he insisted, hoping to de-escalate the situation. González, evidently unconcerned, rebuffed his request and escalated her threats.
González made several alarming accusations, stating to authorities during a phone call, "El señor me viene acosando y no quiere avanzar porque le dije que se calmara." Her false claims took on new gravity as she warned, "Avanzas o te avientas cinco años de cárcel," which highlights the potential for serious repercussions stemming from her threats.
The recorded incident—captured within the vehicle’s camera—quickly went viral on social media platforms, sparking widespread condemnation of González's conduct. Users expressed their dismay, asserting, "No hay manera de justificar esto. Es frustrante llegar tarde al trabajo, pero lo que hizo es inaceptable." Many pointed out the detrimental effects such false allegations have on genuine complaints of harassment, with one user lamenting, "Por cosas así, las quejas reales son desestimadas." These perspectives resonate with broader societal concerns about the misuse of power and the serious ramifications of false accusations.
Echoing the growing public concern, the company associated with González, Novics Health Specialists, faced scrutiny as social media users unearthed images tying her to the organization. The company swiftly issued a statement distancing itself from her actions, declaring, "Nos vemos en la necesidad de aclarar que Novics no reconoce la identidad de la persona que se menciona en el video. Nunca ha laborado de ninguna manera con nosotros." This defense came amid allegations from the public claiming the clinic was attempting to shield her culpability.
Legal experts stress the importance of repercussions for false accusations like those made by González. Under Mexico's Código Penal Federal, making false claims is punishable by prison time and hefty fines. Article 247 of the Code explicitly states, "Quien con el fin de perjudicar a alguien, informe falsamente a la autoridad sobre la existencia de un delito que no se ha cometido, puede ser sancionado con prisión de uno a cuatro años y una multa de veinte a ciento ochenta días." This legal framework serves as both guidance and deterrent, aiming to protect individuals against malicious claims.
Uber itself has not publicly commented on the incident as of yet, but it undoubtedly brings to light newly heightened discussions surrounding driver safety amid the rising number of app-based ride services. Users of ride-sharing services both cheer and caution from the consequences of such incidents. The narrative serves as both reminder and lesson about the integrity of personal responsibility during interactions on these platforms.
The incident, which has sparked outrage and discussions both online and offline illuminates the vulnerability faced by drivers, who now navigate not only traffic but the potential for false accusations lurking with disgruntled passengers.
González's actions and the heated exchange present clear dilemmas for society—what happens when individuals misuse legal protections meant to safeguard them? While the public continues to rally for accountability, it reinforces the call for actionable dialogue to prevent similar occurrences and promote trust within shared economy domains.