Plus-Size Rapper Secures Settlement from Lyft Over Discrimination

A lawsuit filed by Detroit-based rapper Dank Demoss, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, has concluded with a settlement from Lyft after she alleged discrimination based on her size. The incident arose when a Lyft driver told Blanding she was “too big” to fit in his vehicle, prompting her to take legal action under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on weight.

The confrontation was recorded and shared on social media, where Blanding captured the moment a driver refused to accept her as a passenger. The driver suggested she should instead book an Uber XL, stating, “Believe me, you can’t,” before cancelling her ride and offering a refund. Despite Blanding’s insistence that she had previously traveled in smaller cars, the driver maintained his stance. This incident quickly ignited a debate online about body positivity and discrimination.

After filing her lawsuit in January 2023, Blanding’s legal team confirmed the case was resolved, although the specific amount of the settlement has not been disclosed due to confidentiality agreements. According to her attorney Zach Runyan, the resolution of the case is significant, even if the details remain private.

Jonathan Marko, another attorney representing Blanding, emphasized that weight is a protected characteristic in Michigan, drawing parallels between her treatment and discrimination based on race or religion. He remarked that the driver’s refusal to provide service due to her size was both illegal and potentially dangerous. Runyan added, “Imagine the consequences if Ms Blanding were unable to seek shelter after the driver left her stranded. This could have ended even worse than it did.”

The emotional impact of the incident has lingered for Blanding, who expressed that it was not merely about the size of the vehicle but about respect. She stated, “I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” and highlighted the hurt she felt from the incident. Following her video post on Instagram, reactions were mixed, with some users defending the driver’s suggestion while others supported Blanding, recognizing the importance of her case for plus-size individuals.

The outcome of this lawsuit is seen as a potential catalyst for change within the ride-hailing industry. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act not only protects individuals from discrimination in employment and housing but also extends to public accommodations, including services like Lyft. Analysts suggest that this case could prompt companies like Lyft and Uber to reconsider their driver training programs and service policies to ensure compliance with civil rights laws.

While the settlement amount remains undisclosed, the case reinforces the principle that denying service based on body size is unlawful in Michigan. This ruling could have broader implications, encouraging other jurisdictions to adopt similar protections and influencing future cases of weight-based discrimination. Blanding’s experience highlights the ongoing challenges faced by plus-size individuals and the importance of advocacy for their rights in public spaces.