Detroit rapper Dank Demoss, real name Dajua Blanding, has reportedly settled her discrimination lawsuit against taxi company Lyft after one of its drivers refused to pick her up because of her size.
Blanding, who has openly shared on social media that she once weighed over 500lbs and had lost more than 40lbs by December, filed the lawsuit earlier this year after the driver told her she was “too big” for his car and might “burst his tyres”, Daily Mail reported.
In a video she recorded during the incident, Blanding could be heard telling the driver, “I can fit in this car,” but he insisted otherwise and suggested she order an Uber XL instead. He later apologised and assured her she would be refunded.
Her legal team argued the refusal was discrimination, pointing out that in Michigan, weight is a protected characteristic. One of her attorneys compared the situation to refusing someone service because of race or religion.
Though Lyft has now resolved the case, details of the settlement remain private.
Blanding later admitted the incident left her hurt, saying: “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
Meanwhile, online reactions were divided. Some sympathised with the rapper, while others defended the driver, arguing he was within his rights to suggest a larger car.