A plus-sized rapper has taken legal action against Lyft after a driver allegedly refused to pick her up, citing concerns that she was too heavy for his vehicle.
Dajua Blanding, known as Dank Demoss, filmed the encounter earlier this month, where the driver insisted she wouldn’t fit in his car. Despite Blanding’s protests that she had ridden in smaller vehicles before, the driver locked his doors and attempted to leave.
Although the driver offered to refund the ride, Blanding filed a lawsuit against Lyft, alleging discrimination and emotional distress. Her attorneys argue that weight is a protected characteristic under Michigan law, making the denial of service illegal.
After sharing the video on social media, reactions were mixed. Some supported Blanding’s claims of discrimination, while others defended the driver, saying he had the right to decline a ride if he believed his car couldn’t safely accommodate a passenger.
Lyft responded with a statement emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and its policies against discrimination. The case is now set to unfold in court.
