A local Detroit artist is making headlines for an incident that occurred off-stage. Known professionally as Dank Demoss, Dajua Blanding has become the center of a controversy after reportedly being refused a Lyft ride due to her size. This event has sparked outrage among her fans and raised questions about discrimination in the rideshare industry. The incident took place when Blanding attempted to secure transportation to a Detroit Lions watch party. Upon arrival, the driver allegedly claimed that she would not fit into his vehicle and suggested alternatives such as Uber XL. Despite the driver’s offer to refund the fare, Blanding felt deeply hurt by the experience and has since taken legal action against the company.

Blanding's encounter with the Lyft driver unfolded under unusual circumstances. She had requested a standard sedan for her trip. However, upon meeting the driver, he immediately expressed concerns about her fitting into the car. Blanding insisted that she could comfortably sit in the vehicle, having ridden in smaller cars before. Nevertheless, the driver remained adamant, citing potential damage to his tires from her weight. He eventually apologized and proposed alternative options like booking a larger vehicle through another service provider. Throughout the interaction, Blanding recorded the conversation, capturing every detail of this unfortunate exchange.

The situation escalated quickly as Blanding sought justice for what she perceived as unfair treatment. With the help of attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan, she initiated legal proceedings against Lyft on grounds of discrimination. According to Michigan law, denying someone a ride based on their physical characteristics is illegal and comparable to racial or religious prejudice. Marko emphasized that while drivers have discretion regarding passenger safety, they cannot refuse service based on protected attributes. This case highlights the importance of adhering to anti-discrimination policies within the rideshare sector.

In response to the lawsuit, Lyft has been formally notified, but the company has yet to provide any official statement on the matter. As the legal battle unfolds, it brings attention to broader issues surrounding inclusivity and equality in everyday services. Blanding hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness and encourage positive changes in how people are treated during routine activities like hailing a cab. Her courage in speaking out serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against all forms of discrimination.