The rideshare industry is once again under scrutiny as Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, also known as Dank Demoss, takes legal action against Lyft. Her lawsuit stems from an incident in which she claims a driver refused her service based on her weight, sparking widespread discussion about discrimination in transportation.
The Incident: Denied a Ride Over Weight Concerns
On January 18, 2025, Blanding booked a Lyft ride to attend a Detroit Lions watch party. When the driver arrived in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, he allegedly kept the doors locked and refused to let her in, stating she was “too big” for the car. He reportedly told her that the weight could damage his tires and advised her to order a Lyft XL instead.
Blanding recorded the encounter, capturing her response: “I can fit in this car.” The driver, however, insisted otherwise, replying: “Believe me, you can’t.” The exchange left her feeling humiliated and excluded, leading her to take legal action.
The Lawsuit: Seeking Justice for Discrimination
Following the incident, Blanding filed a lawsuit in Michigan’s Circuit Court against both Lyft and the unidentified driver, listed as John Doe. Her legal team argues that the refusal to provide service based on weight constitutes discrimination, violating Michigan laws that protect individuals from bias similar to that based on race or religion.
Viral Backlash: Social Media Weighs In
After sharing the video of the encounter on TikTok, Blanding’s story gained widespread attention, racking up more than 340,000 views. The reaction has been divided—some viewers strongly support her fight against discrimination, while others side with the driver, believing he was within his rights to suggest a larger vehicle.
Lyft’s Response: Standing Against Discrimination
In light of the controversy, a Lyft representative addressed the claims, stating: “Lyft unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination—we believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness.” The company reiterated its policies against harassment and bias, emphasizing that all passengers should receive fair treatment.
The Bigger Picture: Addressing Weight Bias in Transportation
This case sheds light on a broader issue of weight discrimination in rideshare services and public transportation. It raises questions about how companies train their drivers and what steps need to be taken to ensure that all passengers are treated fairly, regardless of body size.
As the lawsuit moves forward, its outcome could set a precedent for how rideshare companies handle similar complaints, influencing policies on inclusivity and anti-discrimination efforts.