Rapper Dank Demoss, real name Dajua Blanding, is taking Lyft to court due to a driver’s discriminatory behavior for not allowing her into his car because of her size.
All she wanted was a ride to the Detroit Lions watch party at her cousin’s house on January 18 but the driver refused to take her there due to her weight. That’s when she got her phone out and started recording everything.
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What went down between them
Court records show that Demoss walked toward the car but the driver (referred to as John Doe), locked the doors to his sedan and attempted to drive away.
When asked why he attempted to drive away, he answered that Demoss wouldn’t fit in the car and that the car wouldn’t be able to carry her weight.
Not his first time being in this situation
While Demoss insisted that she could fit in the sedan, the driver still refused to let her in because he had been through a similar situation before. He suggested that she order a bigger car.
When she asked about the ride’s money, he reassured her that he would refund the ride so she wouldn’t have to pay for anything.
He suggested ordering a larger vehicle
The Lyft driver suggested that she could order an Uber XL, a larger vehicle. However, she didn’t like the suggestion, telling FOX 2: “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
Demoss hired attorneys
Demoss has hired attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan to sue for discrimination.
Marko tells People: “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.”
It is “not only illegal but dangerous”
Runyan also added: “Refusing someone transportation based on their weight is not only illegal, but dangerous. 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.”
What Demoss is suing for
Demoss is suing for damages including stress, humiliation, embarrassment, outrage, mental anguish, fear, and mortification. In addition to emotional, economic, and non-economic damages, she is also asking for attorney fees and costs.
Lyft issued a statement
“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,” their statement said to USA Today.
They also left a comment on her post
Lyft added in the comments on Demoss’ post: “We’re disheartened to look at this driver’s unacceptable behavior. Please DM us at your earliest convenience for additional support. We’d like to address this as soon as possible.”
The company hasn’t responded to the lawsuit yet.
Some people were with her
People left comments on her Instagram post, saying: “He messed up when he said to order a xl and when he said his tires were too tired. I’m disappointed in @lyft.” While another easily added: “SUE.”
Others took the driver’s side
One user tried to be sympathetic with both sides, leaning more toward the driver’s, saying: “I understand that this probably was an embarrassing moment, but also understand that Lyft or Uber does not compensate for car repairs. These people are independent drivers trying to make an honest living.”
