Demoss, also known as Big Dank, visited The Breakfast Club on Feb. 10 to discuss with hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Jess Hilarious her ongoing lawsuit against Lyft after a driver refused to give her a ride. Before the interview could begin, though, there was another issue—the chair she was provided wasn’t built for comfort.
“Is this the sole chair y’all got?” she asked, shifting in the seat. The studio crew swiftly wheeled a larger sectional in without missing a beat. Everyone laughed at the mishap, but Dank’s response was substantial:
“This is what I’m talking about. Accommodation!”
Charlamagne, never one to hold back, said the world isn’t always made for plus-sized individuals. Demoss brushed him off.
“But we should, ’cause we know we’re all not the same, you know? I feel like we should—why not?” “A lot of times people think that bigger people, obese, the F-word people, should only be in the house.”
she objected.
When Charlamagne asked about the “F-word,” DJ Envy jumped in to clarify—fat. Dank clarified that she refuses to say the word, and Envy agreed he doesn’t say it in his household either.
What could have been a passing thought about a chair turned into a more reflective discussion about inclusivity. Demoss compared the treatment of plus-size individuals to the respect given to the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized communities.
“We accommodate the LGBTQ community, you know, all the other communities. Why don’t larger people receive the same respect and accommodation?”
she questioned.
Charlamagne challenged the comparison, stating that weight is something many consider to be a choice, unlike sexual orientation. He explained that critics believe people can simply “eat right, exercise, and lose the weight.”
Demoss responded with her truth.
“I believe that I do. I work on me… and when I feel it’s getting to be too much, I try to fix it. At my own pace.”
Her words resonated, especially for those fans who have been following her since day one. Rapper, model, and activist, Demoss has never shied away from speaking about body positivity. However, as she pointed out, the world has a long way to go in terms of giving plus-size individuals basic respect.
Jess Hilarious, who was eavesdropping, was astonished.
“Who told you that, really? That’s crazy,” she said.
“I mean, that’s the way it is,” Demoss said. “We walk outside, and people are staring at us. For what? Because we’re big?”
This is not the first time Demoss has publicly advocated for herself. In January, she went viral for a disappointing encounter with a Lyft driver who refused to let her in his car. Demoss alleged that the driver told her she was “too big” to fit in the car and that his tires could not handle her weight.
The incident, which she described in a viral TikTok video, has sparked heated debates on social media, drawing the attention of activist groups, celebrities, and the public. The case could set an important legal precedent since weight discrimination falls under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
On the night of the incident, Demoss had ordered a Lyft ride as she had done countless times before. This time was different, though. She says that the driver looked at her and refused service, citing concern over the size of his vehicle. Demoss was frustrated and embarrassed, so she recorded the incident and shared it on social media.
Weight discrimination is illegal under Michigan law. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act explicitly protects against discrimination based on race, sex, height, and weight, and Michigan is one of the few states with this kind of legal protection.
Demoss’s lawsuit argues that Lyft, as a service provider, should be held liable for ensuring non-discriminatory actions on the part of its drivers. In response, Lyft has publicly spoken out against all forms of discrimination, though the company has not publicly released details of its policies regarding weight-based denials of service.
As news of the lawsuit spread, social media platforms erupted in reaction. Many rallied to Demoss’s cause, praising her for taking a stand against discrimination and using her platform to highlight the cause. The hashtag #JusticeForDank trended, with many of her supporters stating that plus-sized individuals often face bias in everyday services, from airlines to ride-hailing apps.
Demoss has also admitted that the suit has heightened her visibility. In an open interview, she admitted that her music streams have increased since the ordeal. Songs like “Ring Ring” and “Grind Like Me” have gained fresh momentum, connecting her music career and her crusade for inclusivity.
Although Demoss is known for her sharp lyrics and undeniable charisma, moments like these show that she’s doing more than making music. She’s using her platform to vocalize the struggles of plus-sized individuals, challenge outdated norms, and demand respect.
