Rising Detroit rap scene phenomenon Dank Demoss has once again drawn headlines, but this time, an ultra-explosive multimillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed against the gigantic ride-sharing service Lyft. Her case against the service provider was based on allegations that one of its drivers rejected her request as a passenger, alleging she was too heavy for the vehicle.
On January 20, 2025, Demoss, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, shared a video on social media that captured her encounter with a Lyft driver named Abraham. In the viral video, Abraham told the 489-pound artist that his car couldn’t carry her weight. Demoss claimed in the video that the driver suggested she order a bigger car, such as an Uber XL.
The experience was a humiliating eye-opener for the Detroit-based rapper.
“I couldn’t believe it,”
she said in an Instagram post.
“It’s 2025, and people are still being treated like this. I’m fighting for all the plus-size people who’ve been told they don’t fit—in cars, in spaces, in life.”
Feeling humiliated and marginalized, Demoss filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Lyft on January 28, 2025. In her statement, she expressed her determination to fight for herself and others in the plus-size community who face similar discrimination. Her legal team argues that weight should be recognized as a protected characteristic under Michigan law, similar to race or gender.
Michigan law protects against weight-based discrimination, and her lawyers argued the company has failed to safeguard those protections.
“This is not just about me,”
Said Demoss in a press conference.
“This is about making sure companies like Lyft are held accountable for their actions, so that all people can move through the world without judgment, or denial of service.”
The case has sparked much debate, with opinions flowing in from every direction. On the one hand, many have rallied behind Demoss, applauding her for standing up against size discrimination. Social media has been flooded with hashtags like #RideWithRespect and #SizeMattersNot as users share their experiences of being made to feel left out because of their size.
One fan said, “Dank is doing what she always does-fighting for us. This isn’t just a lawsuit; it’s a movement.”
Others, on the other hand, sympathized with the driver, adding that safety and practicality must also be considered: “Drivers have to feel comfortable, and small cars do have weight limits,” posted one user.
Lyft responded publicly to say it found the situation “unacceptable,” though, at this writing, their only detailed comments came as more of an apologia; according to at least one report-unconfirmed Mr. Abraham no longer drives for Lyft, an official word about this is elusive.
The company has also reiterated its commitment to inclusivity, although critics have asked for clear policies to prevent similar incidents.
“It’s not enough to apologize,”
Said a local size-inclusive advocate.
“We need to see real change—better driver training, better options of vehicles, and better support for plus-size passengers.”
For Demoss, this isn’t just a courtroom case; it’s about breaking down barriers for plus-size people in all walks of life. She has been quoted speaking candidly in interviews about her many struggles, not just in ride-sharing but within an industry and society that marginalizes people who don’t fit into a very narrow mold.
Her music, a mix of bold beats and deeply personal lyrics, has always reflected her struggles and triumphs.
“This is just another chapter,”
She said.
“When I step into that booth, I channel everything I’ve been through—every insult, every rejection, every moment like this. And I turn it into something powerful.”
Legal experts say it could set a significant precedent, particularly if it leads to changes in the ride-sharing policies. “Successful resolution could help open the door for attraction of broader forms of protection against size discrimination,” says one attorney familiar with the case.
Whether on the mic or in court, Dank Demoss is again proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with- somebody who will not be silenced, no matter the odds. While her rhymes have always done the damage, her well-documented actions have the biggest impact.
