Lyft driver refused woman a ride because of her weight, Michigan video shows. She sues

A Michigan woman is suing Lyft after a driver refused to give her a ride because of her weight, news outlets report.

Dajua Blanding shared video of the failed pickup in a Jan. 19 Instagram post, receiving nearly 500,000 views as of Jan. 28.

Blanding, a Detroit-area rapper whose stage name is Dank Demoss, ordered a Lyft to get to a party at her cousin’s home, she told WDIV. But when the driver pulled up and saw her, he locked his doors and wouldn’t let her in, telling her she was too big, she said.

“I can fit in this car,” Blanding is heard saying in the video.

“No, believe me you can’t,” the driver responds.

The driver is apologetic but doesn’t budge, video shows.

He tells her there’s not enough room for her to fit and that his tires are too “tired.” He explains that she won’t be charged, then recommends she order an XL vehicle, video shows.

Now she’s suing.

“I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” Blanding told WJBK. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”

Jon Marko, an attorney representing Blanding, says weight is a protected characteristic under Michigan law, and the driver’s refusal to serve her was discrimination, the outlet reported.

“It would be no different than a driver pulling up and saying, ‘I don’t want to have Black people in my car,’” Marko said.

Lyft is aware of the incident and “unequivocally condemns all forms of discrimination,” the company said in an email to McClatchy News. “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,” Lyft added.

This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Lyft driver refused woman a ride because of her weight, Michigan video shows. She sues."