Detroit rapper Dajua Blanding, known by her stage name Dank Demoss, is suing Lyft after a driver allegedly canceled her ride. Blanding accused the driver of weight-based discrimination. The incident, which took place on January 18, 2025, has sparked significant controversy.
Here is why Dajua Blanding is suing Lyft.
Detroit Rapper sues Lyft after driver denied ride
Rapper Dajua Blanding is suing Lyft, alleging that a driver canceled her ride due to her weight. In a lawsuit filed on January 27, 2025, in Michigan’s Circuit Court for Wayne County, Blanding claims that on January 18, 2025, a Lyft driver allegedly “refused” to let her into his vehicle, citing her size as the reason, after she’d “paid” for the ride (via PEOPLE).
According to the lawsuit, Blanding had booked a ride to attend a football game watch party at her cousin’s house. However, when the driver, identified as John Doe, arrived at her home, he allegedly “locked the doors to his vehicle and attempted to drive away” when she approached.
The driver allegedly told Blanding she was “too big” to fit in the car and claimed the car’s tires couldn’t handle her weight. Blanding was left stunned by the driver’s actions, which allegedly led him to cancel the ride and leave the scene.
The rapper argues that the driver’s behavior was discriminatory and that Lyft’s standard vehicles should have been able to accommodate her. The driver allegedly suggested she needed to book a Lyft XL, which, according to the company’s official website, is a larger vehicle that “can fit up to six passengers.”
Blanding is suing both the driver and Lyft for creating a hostile environment and for the emotional and psychological harm caused by the incident, apart from economic damages. She is also seeking damages for humiliation and mental anguish.
Lyft has put out a statement addressing the incident. It reads, “Lyft unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination—we believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness.” The statement further mentions, “Our community guidelines and terms of service explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination.”
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
