Dajua Blanding, a Detroit woman and rapper known as Dank Demoss, is suing Lyft and one of its drivers, alleging she was denied a ride due to her weight. According to her lawsuit, when the Lyft driver arrived in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, he locked the doors and told her she was “too big to fit in the back seat.” Blanding claims the driver went further, saying his tires couldn’t support her weight and advising her to order a Lyft XL instead. He then drove off, leaving her humiliated.
Blanding is pursuing legal action under Michigan’s civil rights laws, which prohibit discrimination based on weight. She says the incident caused her stress, embarrassment, and fear. Lyft responded to the allegations by condemning all forms of discrimination and emphasizing that such behavior is prohibited under their community guidelines.
This case highlights ongoing debates about discrimination and inclusivity in the rideshare industry. Blanding’s experience raises questions about how companies ensure their drivers treat passengers respectfully, regardless of their physical characteristics.
