Rapper Dank DeMoss sues Lyft driver for alleged 'weight discrimination'

US rapper Dank DeMoss, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, has filed a lawsuit against taxi app Lyft and a driver who refused to transport her, claiming his car couldn’t support her weight. The driver defended his decision not to take her as a passenger, citing vehicle safety as his primary concern, but DeMoss believes the incident was a clear case of discrimination.

DeMoss, who weighs 554 pounds, said she assured the driver she would fit in the car, but he still refused service, leaving her feeling humiliated. While California has strict anti-discrimination laws, legal experts note that weight is not always a protected category unless it qualifies as a disability.

The incident came to light in a 19 January post from the rapper and self-professed body positivity advocate:

In the video, she and the driver are heard arguing about whether she can fit in the vehicle. The driver insists she cannot, claiming that the car's tires would not be able to support her weight.

"I can fit in this car," Blanding asserts, but the driver disagrees, replying, "Believe me, you can't." He explains that he has encountered a similar situation before and suggests she book an XL vehicle instead.

Before the conversation ends, the driver apologizes for refusing the ride and assures Blanding that he will issue a refund so she won't be charged.

The case has sparked debate on social media, with many US-based netizens supporting the driver’s right to make decisions for his vehicle and noting that she indeed may have been too overweight for it.

On the other hand, Lyft released a public 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.”

As of this writing, Lyft has yet to respond to the complaint served by Demoss and her lawyers.