Rapper Dank Demoss Sues Lyft After She Was Denied Ride Due To Weight

A Detroit rapper is suing Lyft after a driver refused to service her because of her weight.

According to Fox 2, Dajua Blanding, whose stage name is Dank Demoss, filed a lawsuit against Lyft alleging discrimination after she was denied a ride earlier this month.

The incident unfolded after Demoss requested a ride through to the ride-share company to a Detroit Lions watch party. Demoss recorded her interaction with the Lyft driver, who told her he couldn’t give her a ride because she wouldn’t fit in his sedan.

“I can fit in this car,” the rapper told the driver, to which he responded, “Believe me, you can’t.”

The driver insisted that his tires couldn’t handle Demoss’ weight. During their conversation, the driver also suggested Demoss order an Uber XL, a larger ride-share vehicle. The man apologized and said he would refund her the money for the ride.

“I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” the rapper told Fox 2. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”

Demoss retained attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan to sue the ride-share company for discrimination.

“I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong,” Marko said.

Demoss’ attorney noted that weight is a protected characteristic in Michigan. Lyft drivers are allowed to turn away passengers over potential security threats but not protected characteristics, including weight, religion, and race.

In the wake of the lawsuit, Lyft released a statement, condemning “all forms of discrimination.”

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,” the statement reads.