Popular social media influencer and Detroit rapper Dank Demoss is known for going viral for advocating for plus-sized women. Now, she is calling out Lyft for what she believes is discrimination according to Fox 2 Detroit.
Earlier this month, Demoss, born Dajua Blanding, requested a ride with Lyft to a Detroit Lions watch party. However, the influencer said when the driver got to Demoss he stated that he couldn’t give her a ride due to her weight.
That’s when the online personality started recording the interaction. The driver initially told Demoss that she simply could not fit in his vehicle. She replied, “I can fit in this car,” right before the driver responded, “Believe me, you can’t.”
The driver then explained that his tires could not handle her weight. He apologized, and suggested that Demoss order an Uber XL to accommodate her size. He also mentioned that he would refund the ride so she wouldn’t be charged for the inconvenience.
In response, the star has retained attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan to sue the company for discrimination.
“I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong,” Marko said in a statement.
He added that weight is a protected characteristic in Michigan and that denying someone a ride based on their weight would be the same as denying someone because of their race or religion.
Marko clarified that Lyft drivers can reject passengers if they believe they’re in danger, but not based on protected characteristics.
A Lyft spokesperson has addressed the matter.
“Lyft unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination—we believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness,” the spokesperson said. “Our community guidelines and terms of service explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination.”
What Do you think? Was Lyft wrong?