Plus-sized influencer and US rapper Dank Demoss, known as Dajua Blanding, has filed a lawsuit against Lyft for discrimination based on her weight. The incident, which she shared in a viral TikTok video, has sparked widespread outrage.
Details of the Incident
Blanding requested a Lyft ride to a Detroit Lions watch party last month. When the driver arrived, he allegedly refused to let her in, claiming she wouldn’t fit in his sedan. To this, she responded, “I can fit in this car.” However, the driver dismissed her, saying, “Believe me, you can’t.” He then changed his excuse, stating that his tires couldn’t handle her weight.
Driver’s Continued Refusal
Despite apologizing, the driver still refused to provide a ride. He suggested that Blanding should order an XL vehicle instead, mentioning that he had faced similar situations before. Blanding, frustrated, asked, “So every big person, you turn down because they can’t fit in your car?”
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Taking Legal Action
In response to this incident, Blanding has decided to take the matter to court, filing a lawsuit against Lyft for weight-based discrimination. During an interview with Fox News Detroit, she explained the emotional impact the situation had on her. Weighing about 489 pounds (221.8 kg), Blanding emphasized that she had previously been able to ride in smaller cars without issue.
Lawyers’ Arguments
Blanding’s attorneys, Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan, argue that her weight is a protected characteristic under Michigan law, making Lyft’s actions discriminatory. Marko also pointed out that weight-based discrimination is as serious as discrimination based on race or religion, stressing that drivers cannot refuse service solely due to a person’s weight.
Lyft’s Official Response
In response to the lawsuit, Lyft issued a statement condemning all forms of discrimination. They declared, “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.”
