A plus-sized rapper is suing a ride share company after she was refused a lift by one of its drivers who insisted “she was too big to fit in the back seat.”
Dajua Blanding, known by her stage name Dank Demoss, is taking legal action against Lyft and an unidentified driver, alleging that she was denied a ride due to her weight.
The plus-sized rapper claims that on January 18, she ordered a Lyft to get from her home to her cousin’s place for a football game watch party.
The driver – known only as John Doe – arrived at Blanding’s Detroit-area home about 10 to 15 minutes later. But when she approached the vehicle expecting to get in, things didn’t go as planned.In a clip shared by the influencer on TikTok, the woman is heard arguing with the driver, who politely explains his car can’t handle her weight.
“What makes you think I can’t fit in this car?” she asks the operator of the Honda Civic. After the two share some more (inaudible) words, the driver then says, “To be more specific with you, I’ve got very tired tires.”
When Blanding debates, “What I got to do with your tires?” the driver then points to the back of his seat and says, “You have no space…I have no space in the back.”
Eventually, the driver canceled the ride and left, leaving Blanding unable to attend her cousin’s watch party. Feeling humiliated and wronged, she decided to take legal action.
‘Too big to fit’
On January 27 Blanding filed a lawsuit against Lyft and the driver, claiming her civil rights were violated.
“Specifically, as Plaintiff walked towards the vehicle, Defendant John Doe locked the doors to his vehicle and attempted to drive away,” the lawsuit alleges, according to People.
hope the man sues you,” the person shares.
Another cyber fan, who refers to herself as a big, beautiful woman (BBW), offers her thoughts: “Lyft drivers do have the right to cancel a ride but being honest she knew she needed to order an XL ride. I’m a BBW and when I order a Lyft I get an XL ride cause I get it to be comfortable.”
Emotional distress
According to People, Blanding is seeking compensation for a range of damages, including stress, humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, and mental anguish. She also claims the incident caused fear and emotional distress, impacting both her well-being and daily life. In addition to emotional and economic damages, she is demanding legal fees and court costs to be covered as part of her lawsuit.
A statement shared by Lyft reads: “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.”
As legal proceedings continue, all eyes will be on this case to see whether it reshapes the way rideshare companies operate.
What are your thoughts on the driver denying Blanding a ride? Please let us know what you think and then share this story so we can hear from others!
