Grab apologises for 'causing discomfort and alarm' after microdrama raises concerns among netizens
Grab Singapore has issued an apology following public backlash over a promotional microdrama that depicted a romantic encounter between a passenger and a driver. Critics argued the content was tone-deaf and potentially normalized the crossing of professional boundaries in ride-hailing services.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing tension between corporate marketing strategies and public safety concerns regarding harassment in the gig economy.
Grab Singapore has apologised after their new microdrama sparked concerns about safety and harassment.
Titled I Fell In Love With My Grab Driver, it stars local actress-model Regina Lim as a "sandwich gen" caregiver whom everyone depends on. She meets Henry (played by Glenn Yong), a Grab driver who shows up for her.
In a trailer released on Sept 4 on Grab's social media accounts, Emily, carrying bags of food, gets into the backseat of Henry's car, assuming he's an "uncle".
The car drives over a bump and Henry stops the car to check on Emily, who appears enamoured.
They later have a series of interactions, with Henry — clad in a Grab rider's uniform — delivering her food and saving her from a fall K-drama style at a lift lobby of a HDB block.
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