Detroit Rapper Sues Lyft, Claims She Was Denied Ride Due to Her Weight
Dajua “Dank Demoss” Blanding alleges discriminatory treatment in a lawsuit filed against Lyft and a driver, seeking justice for emotional distress caused by the incident.
Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, better known as Dank Demoss, is suing ride-share giant Lyft, accusing the company of allowing a driver to refuse her a ride based on her weight. The 29-year-old rapper shared the details of the alleged incident on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
The event occurred on January 18, when Demoss ordered a Lyft ride to attend a football watch party at her cousin’s home. She paid for the ride, but when the driver arrived in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, Demoss says the driver locked the car doors and refused to let her enter.
In a video shared on Instagram, Demoss can be seen confronting the driver, who claims there isn’t enough space for her in the car. “I’m sorry. I got no space. My car is small,” the driver says. Demoss responds, insisting she can fit, but the driver refuses to let her in, stating, “Believe me you can’t. … I’m gonna cancel [the ride]; you’re not gonna be charged.”
The driver further claims that Demoss needs to order a larger car, citing a supposed issue with the car's tires that would prevent it from supporting her weight. Demoss was left stranded, unable to attend the party, and says she suffered emotional distress, humiliation, and mental anguish as a result.
On Tuesday, Demoss filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court, Michigan, against Lyft and the unnamed driver, referred to as John Doe. The lawsuit alleges a violation of Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on weight, as well as other factors like race, gender, and religion.
The complaint details how, after Demoss tried to enter the car, the driver allegedly locked the doors and drove off, further claiming that Demoss was “too big” for the vehicle’s back seat. The lawsuit accuses Lyft of allowing its employee to subject Demoss to unlawful harassment and discriminatory treatment based on her weight.
“I was embarrassed, and I felt some type of way about it,” Demoss told NBC affiliate WDIV of Detroit. “I haven’t really left my house since that.”
Demoss’ attorney, Zach Runyan, emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “Refusing someone transportation based on their weight is not only illegal, but dangerous. Imagine the consequences if Ms. Blanding were unable to seek shelter after the driver left her stranded.”
The lawsuit seeks damages, including attorney fees, costs, and exemplary damages. Demoss expressed hope that the lawsuit would bring attention to the harmful impact of discrimination, urging others to treat people with kindness and respect.
Lyft responded to the incident by reaffirming its stance against discrimination. A spokesperson for the company said, “We unequivocally condemn all forms of discrimination,” and emphasized that its community guidelines explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination. However, Lyft also noted that it cannot comment on pending litigation and that its drivers are independent contractors.
The case continues to develop, with Demoss seeking justice for the emotional harm caused by what she believes was an unjust denial of service.