A Detroit rapper, Dajua Blanding—known as Dank Demoss—has filed a lawsuit against Lyft after a driver denied her a ride, allegedly due to her weight. The incident, which Blanding says was both hurtful and discriminatory, is now at the center of a legal case.
The Incident
Earlier this month, Blanding requested a ride to a Detroit Lions watch party. Upon the driver’s arrival, she was met with resistance. According to Blanding, the driver claimed she would not fit in his sedan and later cited concerns about his tires’ ability to handle her weight. The driver suggested Blanding order a larger Uber XL vehicle instead.
Blanding, who recorded the encounter, recalled her reaction: “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know it hurt my feelings.”
Legal Implications
Blanding’s attorneys, Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan, argue that the driver’s actions violated Michigan law, which protects individuals from discrimination based on weight. Marko explained, “It would be no different than a driver saying, ‘I don’t want Black people, Christians, or Muslims in my car.’ Under the law, it’s the same.”
The lawsuit seeks to hold Lyft accountable for what Blanding and her legal team view as a clear case of bias. Marko emphasized that the law prohibits ride-share drivers from refusing service based on protected characteristics, even though they have discretion in cases of safety concerns.
Response from Lyft
Lyft addressed the situation in a public statement, saying, “Lyft unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination. We believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness. Our community guidelines and terms of service explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination.”
For Blanding, the issue goes beyond the immediate incident. As a public figure and artist, she hopes to raise awareness about the impact of weight-based discrimination. “It’s not just about me,” she said. “It’s about making sure no one else feels this way.”
The case has sparked broader conversations about the need for inclusivity in ride-share services and other public accommodations.