Atlanta sports reporter Tabitha Turner says she was attacked by Uber driver
Sports reporter describes Uber trip: 'It was very violent'
A local sports reporter faces backlash following a run-in with an Uber driver Mericole Smith took to social media, accusing Tabitha Turner of assaulting her over the weekend. Hapeville police have issued a warrant for Smith's arrest.
Tabitha Turner-Wilkins attends Marie Claire Power Play at The St. Regis Atlanta on May 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images for Marie Claire)
ATLANTA - Tabitha Turner, a well-known sports reporter and analyst for the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Dream, spoke out on Wednesday about an alleged violent and traumatic encounter with an Uber driver that occurred this past weekend.
Turner held a press conference on Wednesday at The Cochran Law Firm – Atlanta. She was joined by her attorney, Miguel A. Dominguez of the Dominguez Law Firm.
The backstory:
Turner says she was pepper-sprayed and assaulted by an Uber driver during a disturbing encounter along Interstate 85 on Saturday afternoon.
According to Hapeville Police, the incident began around 3:40 p.m. when Turner was picked up by Uber driver Nicole Smith at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. As they traveled northbound on Interstate 85, Turner reportedly asked the driver to roll up the windows and turn on the air conditioning due to the extreme heat. Police say the driver became upset, pulled into the emergency lane on the highway, and ordered Turner to exit the vehicle.
Turner told the driver she would only get out if the fare was refunded or police were called. The driver refused, then exited the vehicle and allegedly pepper-sprayed Turner before physically pulling her from the car and assaulting her.
Atlanta sports reporter reportedly attacked in rideshare
Atlanta sports reporter Tabitha Turner says that she was attacked by a driver for Uber over the weekend and now she is being harassed online. An arrest report has reportedly been issued for the driver. Turner and her attorney held a press conference on Wednesday.
Another motorist witnessed the altercation and called 911. Turner later provided cellphone video of the incident to police, which authorities say confirmed that the Uber driver was the aggressor. A warrant has reportedly been issued for Mericole Smith on charges of battery and simple battery.
During the press conference, Turner said the assault and its online aftermath have taken a toll on her. She claims Smith later posted misleading information about the incident on social media, leading to harassment and even threats.
"Pulling over on the expressway with cars speeding by, telling me to get out with my bags—it’s not a reasonable request," Turner said, fighting back tears. "I have a one-year-old daughter I like to take to games with me. Now I can’t, because I don’t know who’s going to be there to attack me based on what she’s saying."
Turner says she plans to pursue legal action against the driver and Uber and hopes her case brings attention to passenger safety and accountability on rideshare platforms.
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The other side:
FOX 5 Atlanta attempted to make contact with the Uber driver. Her TikTok about the incident is posted below. Warning: The video contains graphic language.