A Michigan rapper is taking legal action against Lyft after claiming that a driver refused to pick her up, allegedly citing concerns that she was too heavy for his car to handle.

Dajua Blanding, a 36-year-old artist who performs under the name Dank Demoss, captured the incident on video earlier this month. The footage, now circulating widely on social media, shows her arguing with the driver, insisting that she could fit in his vehicle, while he repeatedly pushed back.

“I can fit in this car,” Blanding says in the video.

“Believe me, you can’t,” the driver responds.

Ultimately, the driver canceled the ride, assuring Blanding that she wouldn’t be charged. However, the rapper has since filed a lawsuit against Lyft, claiming the incident left her feeling humiliated and discriminated against.

“I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” she said in an interview. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”

Public Reaction: Support for the Driver and Backlash Against Blanding

After posting the video to Instagram, Blanding was met with mixed reactions. While some expressed outrage on her behalf, many sided with the driver, arguing that he had the right to refuse service if he believed his vehicle wasn’t suitable.

Some commenters suggested that she should have opted for a larger ride option, such as a Lyft XL, which is meant for additional space.

“It’s against the law to overload a car,” one user pointed out. “The driver was polite, explained his reasoning, and even apologized… try seeing things from another perspective.”

Despite the backlash, Blanding stood her ground, using her platform to accuse Lyft of mistreating plus-sized riders.

“AM I WRONG?” she wrote in the caption of her viral post. “Lyft, what do you have to say about this driver who discriminated against me? I feel like you all treat big people like s*. Like we don’t belong here.”**

The Legal Battle: Weight Discrimination Under Michigan Law

According to her lawsuit, Blanding alleges that the driver arrived in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, but upon seeing her, he locked his doors and attempted to leave. When confronted, she claims he told her that she was too large to fit in the backseat and even suggested her weight could damage his tires.

“What do I have to do with your tires?” Blanding is heard asking in the video.

Her attorneys, Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan, argue that the driver’s refusal to provide service violated Michigan law, which classifies weight as a protected characteristic.

“I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong,” Marko told Fox 2, comparing the situation to denying someone a ride based on race or religion.

Runyan added, “Denying someone transportation based on their weight is not only illegal but dangerous. Imagine if Ms. Blanding had been left stranded in unsafe conditions—this could have ended even worse than it did.”

Blanding’s Response: Doubling Down on Social Media

While some critics argue that the lawsuit unfairly targets a driver simply trying to protect his vehicle, Blanding remains defiant. Days after posting the video, she shared another Instagram clip, this time dressed in yoga shorts and a jacket, captioning:

“Me tryna get Lyft to not discriminate against my weight and let me in the car! Would you let me in?? Anyways, meet me at the Sexxy Red afterparty.”

Blanding has previously opened up about her weight struggles, revealing in December that she weighed over 500 pounds but had recently lost more than 40.

Lyft Responds: Condemning Discrimination

Lyft has since addressed the controversy, issuing a formal statement in which they reaffirm their stance against discrimination.

“We unequivocally condemn 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 clearly prohibit harassment or discrimination,” the company stated.

The Bigger Debate: Passenger Rights vs. Driver Discretion

As Blanding’s lawsuit moves forward, the case raises broader ethical and legal questions about passenger rights, driver discretion, and the balance between personal safety concerns and discrimination.

• Should drivers have the right to refuse service if they believe a passenger’s size may affect vehicle safety?
• How should rideshare companies ensure inclusivity while also respecting driver autonomy?
• Does this set a legal precedent for future weight discrimination claims in the gig economy?

For now, the legal battle continues, with both supporters and critics watching closely to see how it unfolds.