'Tires would crumble under your weight': 250 kg US rapper denied car ride, she goes on to win the lawsuit

Imagine being denied a ride because of your weight. That's what happened to Dank Demoss, a Detroit-based rapper, when she ordered a Lyft to attend a Lions watch party. The driver claimed she wouldn't fit in the car, despite her assurance that she could.

Demoss, who weighs nearly 250 kg, insisted she could fit in the car and demanded the driver unlock the doors. Instead, he doubled down, telling her the tires would “crumble under her weight” and suggesting she order an Uber XL instead.

This incident sparked a civil rights battle that Demoss courageously pursued, and she ultimately won.

Demoss's experience highlights the importance of accessibility in public services. When the Lyft driver refused to transport her, citing weight concerns, Demoss recorded the interaction and took action. She filed a lawsuit under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, arguing that the driver's refusal was a form of public accommodation harassment.

This victory serves as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves equal access to services, regardless of their physical characteristics.