US rapper and plus-sized influencer Dank Demoss, real name Dajua Blanding, has filed a lawsuit against Lyft after a driver allegedly denied her service due to her size. The incident, which occurred last month, was shared by Ms. Blanding in a viral TikTok video, sparking widespread outrage.
According to the lawsuit, the driver refused to let her in, claiming she wouldn’t fit in his sedan. Ms. Blanding responded, “I can fit in this car,” but the driver insisted, “Believe me, you can’t.” He then claimed his tires couldn’t handle her weight and suggested she request an XL vehicle. “So every big person, you turn down because they can’t fit in your car?” she asked.
Ms. Blanding, who weighs 489 pounds (221.8 kg), argued that she has used smaller cars before and is suing Lyft for weight-based discrimination. Her attorneys, Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan, contend that weight is a protected characteristic under Michigan law, making the driver’s actions unlawful.
Lyft responded, stating, “Lyft unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination—we believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness.”
The case has reignited discussions on weight discrimination and legal protections for plus-sized individuals.
