A Detroit-based rapper has filed a lawsuit against the ride-sharing service Lyft after a driver allegedly refused to pick her up, claiming that she “couldn’t fit in the car.” The incident has sparked a larger conversation about potential discrimination in the transportation industry.

The Incident

Dajua Blanding, who goes by the stage name Dank Demoss, shared the encounter on social media, posting a video showing the Lyft driver in a Mercedes Benz sedan expressing doubt about whether she would fit in the back seat.

In the video, the driver says, “I got no space at all, my car is small,” to which Blanding responds, “I can fit in this car.” Despite her insistence, the driver stands firm, saying, “No, believe me, you can’t, so… I’m sorry.”

When Blanding asks about her payment for the ride, the driver explains he will cancel the trip and provide a refund. When she asks directly if his refusal is based on her size, the driver confirms, “Yeah, you need to order a bigger car.” The driver also claims that his car’s tires are “very tired,” offering another reason for his refusal, which confuses Blanding.

Legal Action and Public Response

After the incident, Blanding voiced her frustration on Instagram, tagging Lyft and accusing the company of discrimination. “@lyft what y’all got to say about this? Y’all driver discriminated against me. I JUST FEEL LIKE YALL TREAT BIG PPLE LIKE S*** LIKE WE DONT BELONG HERE.”

In an interview with Fox 2 Detroit, Blanding revealed she had hired two attorneys and planned to file a lawsuit against Lyft, citing discrimination. Michigan is the only state in the U.S. with specific laws against weight discrimination, making this case particularly significant.

Legal Perspective

Blanding’s attorney, Jonathan Marko, stressed that the case is about more than just one ride—it’s about challenging discrimination. “I knew that it was illegal and I knew that it was wrong,” he said. “It would be no different than a driver pulling up and saying, ‘I don’t want to have Black people in my car’ or ‘I don’t want to have Christians in my car.’ Under the law, it’s the same.”

Blanding also shared how the incident affected her, saying, “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”

Lyft’s Response

Lyft has addressed the controversy, issuing a statement reaffirming its stance against discrimination. “We unequivocally condemn all forms of discrimination,” the company stated. “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.”

While Lyft asserts that discrimination is not tolerated on its platform, this case raises questions about the decision-making process of drivers and whether personal biases may influence their actions.

The Broader Debate

This case has sparked debates about inclusivity and fairness in the ride-sharing industry. Some supporters of Blanding argue that refusing service based on size is a form of discrimination, while others suggest that the vehicle’s space limitations might have been a legitimate concern.

Experts in the industry acknowledge the importance of equal access to transportation but also recognize the challenges posed by vehicle size and passenger comfort. As the legal case unfolds, the outcome may prompt ride-sharing services to review policies and practices related to passenger size.

Moving Forward

Blanding’s case highlights the complexities surrounding discrimination and customer service policies. While Lyft has reiterated its commitment to equal treatment, the lawsuit could lead to changes in how drivers address size-related concerns and the need for potential policy updates or driver training.

This case has sparked an important conversation about body inclusivity and access to transportation, shedding light on an issue that many believe needs further attention. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this situation will affect ride-sharing practices in the future.