DETROIT (AP) — A Detroit rapper known as Dank Demoss, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, is suing Lyft for discrimination after a driver refused to give her a ride, citing her size as the reason. The incident has reignited debates over discrimination policies and the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in corporate practices.
Blanding, a self-described “BBW” (Big Beautiful Woman), reportedly weighs nearly 500 pounds. Earlier this month, she ordered a Lyft to attend a Detroit Lions watch party. When the driver arrived in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, he told her she wouldn’t fit in the car.
“I can fit in this car,” Blanding told the driver, according to her account. The driver responded, “Believe me, you can’t,” and added that his tires couldn’t handle her weight. He suggested she order an Uber XL instead and reimbursed her for canceling the ride.
“I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” Blanding later told FOX 2. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
Blanding has retained attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan to file a lawsuit against Lyft, alleging discrimination based on her weight. Under Michigan law, weight is considered a protected characteristic, similar to race or religion.
“I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong,” Marko said. He argued that while Lyft drivers can deny rides for perceived security threats, they cannot legally refuse service based on protected characteristics.
The case has drawn attention to Lyft’s long-standing battles over allegations of racism and discrimination. Critics have accused the company of failing to adequately address bias among its drivers, despite its public commitments to inclusivity.
Blanding, an African American woman, has also faced criticism in her music career. Industry moguls, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, have publicly denounced her rapping skills, calling her work “unlistenable.” Despite this, Blanding was reportedly promoted within her record label due to DEI policies, a move that has sparked controversy in the music industry.
The lawsuit comes amid broader discussions about DEI initiatives and their impact on various sectors. Critics argue that such policies can lead to unqualified individuals being promoted, while supporters say they are necessary to address systemic inequalities.
In a surprising twist, sources close to the Trump administration have revealed that former President Donald Trump is rumored to be considering intervening in the case. Trump, a vocal critic of DEI policies, has reportedly taken an interest in the lawsuit as part of his broader campaign against what he calls “woke corporate practices.”
Lyft has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit but has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of discrimination complaints. The company has previously pledged to improve its policies and training for drivers to prevent bias.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to fuel ongoing debates about discrimination, corporate responsibility, and the role of DEI in shaping modern workplaces.
