“I Can Fit in This Car”: Female Rapper Sues Lyft After Driver Refuses Pickup Over Her Weight
On a chilly January afternoon in Detroit, Michigan, rapper and influencer Dank Demoss—real name Dajua Blanding—stood on the curb waiting for her Lyft. She was dressed for a party, headed to a Detroit Lions watch event, and had ordered a standard sedan through the app. But when the driver pulled up, what followed wasn’t a routine ride—it was a confrontation that would go viral, spark outrage, and ultimately lead to a lawsuit.
Demoss, known for her unapologetic style and body-positive message, recorded the interaction. In the video, she can be heard calmly telling the driver, “I can fit in this car.” His response: “Believe me, you can’t.” He then added, “To be very specific with you, I have very tired tires,” and suggested she order a larger vehicle.
The driver canceled the ride, promised she wouldn’t be charged, and apologized. But for Demoss, the damage was done. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings,” she later told reporters.
A Viral Moment with Real Consequences
The video, posted to Demoss’s Instagram, quickly gained traction. Her caption read: “Am I wrong? @Lyft what y’all got to say about this? Y’all driver discriminated against me… I just feel like y’all treat big people like s**t like we don’t belong here”.
Supporters flooded the comments with messages of solidarity. “You deserve respect,” one wrote. “This is discrimination, plain and simple.” Others urged her to “get her coin” and praised her for standing up for herself.
But not everyone agreed. Some defended the driver, citing concerns about vehicle safety and weight limits. “Baby he worried about his suspension,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “I personally don’t think he wanted to be offensive… I’m sorry she experienced this but this is NOT a lawsuit.”
Still, Demoss was undeterred. “IF I DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING I’LL FALL FOR ANYTHING,” she posted alongside a photo with her attorneys, Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan.
The Legal Argument: Weight as a Protected Class
Demoss is suing Lyft for discrimination, arguing that the driver’s refusal to provide service based on her weight violates Michigan’s civil rights laws. According to attorney Jonathan Marko, weight is a protected characteristic in the state. “Denying someone a ride based on their weight would be the same under the law as denying someone because of their race or religion,” he said.
Lyft, in a statement to Fox News Digital, said it “unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination” and that its community guidelines prohibit harassment or bias. However, the company declined to comment on the specific incident due to pending litigation.
The case raises complex questions about the intersection of personal safety, public service, and body politics. Are drivers allowed to refuse rides based on perceived vehicle strain? And if so, where is the line between caution and discrimination?
The Emotional Toll
For Demoss, the incident wasn’t just about a canceled ride—it was about dignity. “I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” she said. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings”.
Her music, often described as raw and empowering, celebrates self-love and challenges societal norms. She refers to herself as the “phat queen,” and her lyrics embrace size, strength, and survival. The Lyft incident struck at the heart of that identity.
“I’m fighting for my community, my people, and making change to the world—not just for me but for everyone,” she wrote after filing the lawsuit.
Public Reaction: A Divided Conversation
The public response has been deeply polarized. Some see Demoss as a hero, standing up against everyday discrimination. Others argue that the driver was simply protecting his vehicle and that the situation was blown out of proportion.
The debate touches on broader cultural tensions: the visibility of plus-size bodies, the limits of service-based platforms, and the emotional labor of being publicly marginalized.
“It’s not just about this one ride,” one supporter commented. “It’s about how big people are treated every day—like we’re a burden, like we don’t belong.”
Lyft’s Role and Responsibility
Lyft drivers are independent contractors, which complicates the company’s liability. While Lyft sets community standards, enforcement is often reactive. The company has faced previous lawsuits over discrimination, safety, and accessibility.
This case could set a precedent. If Demoss wins, it may force ride-share platforms to reevaluate how they train drivers, handle complaints, and define discrimination.
It also raises questions about vehicle classification. Should apps require passengers to disclose weight or size? Should drivers be allowed to refuse service based on perceived strain? And how do we balance safety with dignity?
A Larger Movement
Demoss’s lawsuit is part of a growing movement to recognize weight discrimination as a civil rights issue. Cities like New York have already passed laws banning weight-based bias in employment and housing. Activists argue that transportation should be next.
“This isn’t just about me,” Demoss said. “It’s about every person who’s ever been told they don’t fit. I fit. I belong. And I’m not going to be quiet about it.”
Her words echo across social media, music stages, and courtrooms. They challenge us to look beyond the surface—to see the human being behind the headline.
