Detroit Rapper Sues After Lyft Driver Refuses Ride Over Weight—Sparking Civil Rights Debate

Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, known as Dank Demoss, has filed a lawsuit after a Lyft driver abruptly canceled her ride, claiming she was “too big” to fit and fearing she might damage his car. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral and ignited a debate about weight discrimination.

Unlike most states, Michigan’s Elliott–Larsen Civil Rights Act explicitly prohibits discrimination based on height and weight, giving Blanding a strong legal basis to challenge the driver’s refusal. Her attorneys argue the incident caused emotional harm and posed real safety concerns, stressing that denying transit to someone based on size is both offensive and dangerous.

Lyft condemned discrimination but noted drivers are independent contractors, complicating liability. The case shines a spotlight on Michigan’s unique protections amidst a broader national conversation about body-size discrimination, which remains largely unaddressed in many places.

As Blanding’s suit moves forward in Wayne County Circuit Court, the outcome could reshape rideshare policies, influence public accommodation laws, and inspire other states to adopt similar anti-discrimination measures.

Dank Demoss’s stand has sparked a critical dialogue on respect, safety, and equality—one ride at a time.