A Detroit-based rapper, Dajua Blanding, known by her stage name Dank Demoss, has taken legal action against Lyft and one of its drivers, alleging discrimination. The lawsuit, filed on January 27 in Michigan’s Circuit Court for Wayne County, claims that a Lyft driver refused to allow her into his vehicle due to her size.
This case has ignited discussions on discrimination, accessibility in ridesharing services, and passenger rights. As the legal battle unfolds, it raises critical questions about inclusivity and corporate accountability in the transportation industry.
The Alleged Incident: What Happened?
According to court documents, Blanding had scheduled a Lyft ride on January 18 to visit her cousin’s home for a football game. After waiting 10 to 15 minutes, the driver, identified only as John Doe, arrived at her location. However, when she approached his vehicle, he allegedly locked the doors and attempted to drive away.
Blanding captured part of the encounter on video. In the footage, she can be heard insisting, “I can fit in this car,” to which the driver allegedly responded, “Believe me, you can’t.”
The lawsuit claims that Doe told her she was “too big” to sit in the back seat and that his “tires were not capable of supporting Plaintiff’s weight.” Despite Blanding’s insistence that there was enough space and that she did not require a larger vehicle, the driver canceled the ride and left her stranded.
A Question of Discrimination: Legal Arguments
Blanding’s lawsuit alleges that both the driver and Lyft engaged in discriminatory behavior, violating anti-discrimination laws and creating a hostile environment.
Her attorney, John Marko, compared the incident to other forms of discrimination, stating, “Under the law, refusing someone transportation due to their weight is no different than refusing someone transportation based on their race or religion. Discrimination of any kind should never be tolerated in our society.”
Attorney Zach Runyan also emphasized the potential dangers of the driver’s actions, arguing that leaving a paying passenger stranded could lead to serious safety risks.
The Lyft XL Argument: Is This a Justified Policy?
During the exchange, the driver allegedly told Blanding that he had faced similar issues before and that “overweight individuals must order Lyft XLs,” referring to the larger, more expensive vehicle option.
While Lyft XL is designed for larger groups rather than individual passengers, the statement raises concerns about whether drivers are enforcing an unwritten policy that forces plus-size riders to pay more for transportation.
This claim could set a precedent regarding whether rideshare companies can impose size-based restrictions on standard vehicle rides.
Emotional and Psychological Impact on Blanding
Beyond the legal implications, Blanding has expressed emotional distress over the incident. In an interview with FOX 2, she said, “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
Her lawsuit seeks damages for stress, humiliation, embarrassment, mental anguish, and fear, along with both economic and non-economic compensation.
Lyft’s Response to the Allegations
Following the lawsuit, a Lyft spokesperson issued a statement reaffirming the company’s stance against discrimination, saying, “Lyft unequivocally condemns 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 explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination.”
However, Lyft has not commented on whether it will take action against the driver or make policy changes in response to the lawsuit.
Rideshare Discrimination: A Broader Issue?
This case is not the first time discrimination within the rideshare industry has made headlines. Over the years, passengers have reported incidents involving race, disability, gender identity, and now body size.
Key concerns include:
- Lack of accountability: Many rideshare platforms operate with independent contractors, making it difficult to enforce consistent policies.
- Bias in driver decisions: Unlike traditional taxi services, rideshare drivers choose which passengers to accept, allowing room for potential discrimination.
- Pricing discrepancies: If larger passengers are forced to book more expensive options, this raises questions about equal access to services.
The Potential Impact of This Lawsuit
Blanding’s lawsuit could lead to:
- Greater awareness of size discrimination in the rideshare industry
- Policy changes within Lyft and other companies
- Possible legal precedents for passengers facing similar discrimination
If she wins, it may encourage others to speak out against unfair treatment and push for better protections for all riders.
Conclusion: A Case That Could Redefine Rideshare Policies
The lawsuit filed by Dajua Blanding against Lyft and its driver has opened a broader discussion about discrimination in the rideshare industry. Her claims of being denied service based on her size highlight the need for clearer guidelines, better driver training, and more accountability within rideshare companies.
As the case progresses, it could lead to significant changes in how companies like Lyft handle passenger rights and driver conduct, shaping the future of transportation inclusivity.
