Staff Reports
In a recent incident that has sparked controversy, Dajua Blanding, also known as Dank Demoss, has filed a lawsuit against the ride-sharing service Lyft after a driver allegedly denied her a ride due to her weight. This situation has ignited discussions about discrimination, personal responsibility, and the complexities of providing inclusive services.
Blanding, a Detroit-based rapper and social media personality, requested a Lyft ride to attend a Detroit Lions watch party at her cousin’s house on January 18, 2025. Upon the driver’s arrival in a sedan, he reportedly expressed concern about his vehicle’s capacity to accommodate Blanding, who weighs approximately 489 pounds. The driver, identified as Abraham in some reports, suggested that Blanding order a larger vehicle and assured her of a refund.
Feeling humiliated and discriminated against, Blanding decided to take legal action. On January 27, 2025, she filed a lawsuit in Michigan’s Circuit Court for Wayne County, alleging discrimination based on her weight. Her legal team, including attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan, argues that weight is a protected characteristic under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, making the driver’s actions potentially unlawful.
The incident gained widespread attention after Blanding shared a video of the interaction on social media platforms. In the footage, Blanding can be heard insisting that she could fit in the car, while the driver maintained that his vehicle was too small and expressed concerns about his tires.
Lyft has responded to the incident with 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.”
This case raises important questions about the balance between personal responsibility, service provider obligations, and the need for inclusive practices in the transportation industry. As the legal proceedings continue, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing discrimination and ensuring equal access to services for individuals of all sizes.
