More than a year after making headlines for suing Lyft over an alleged weight-discrimination incident, Detroit rapper Dank DeMoss is back in the spotlight — and her latest mode of transportation has reignited debate online.
Keep reading to know more.
Detroit rapper Dank DeMoss, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, went viral in January 2025 after filing a lawsuit against Lyft when a driver allegedly refused to give her a ride because of her size.
Now, videos showing the rapper traveling in a spacious luxury van driven by a personal chauffeur have sparked a fresh round of reactions.
One commenter quipped, “She should have bought the same type of car she was denied…. that’s how u prove a point.”
Known for promoting body positivity and self-confidence, DeMoss is an independent rapper and CEO of Detroit-based FSD Records, a label founded by her late father, “Big Mixx CEO.” Her music includes tracks such as Feel My Pain, No Love, and Big Girls, and she previously performed at SXSW 2024.
The controversy began when a Lyft driver allegedly refused to let her into his Mercedes-Benz sedan.
According to reports, the driver locked his doors after seeing her and claimed she “wouldn’t fit” inside the vehicle. Rather than completing the ride, he reportedly suggested she book a larger car.
Recording the encounter, DeMoss responded, “I can fit in this car.”
According to FOX 2 Detroit, the driver replied, “Believe me, you can’t,” before allegedly saying the vehicle could be damaged and its tires might not support her weight.
The rapper later told the outlet, “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
Days later, she filed a lawsuit under Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on weight in public accommodations.
Her attorney, Jonathan Marko, argued the incident was unlawful, telling FOX 2 Detroit, “I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong.”
The lawsuit sought damages for emotional distress, public embarrassment, and alleged civil rights violations. It was ultimately settled privately in 2025, with DeMoss later saying she was satisfied with the outcome. The financial terms were never disclosed.
Around the same time the settlement became public, videos emerged showing DeMoss riding around Detroit in a custom luxury van, which offers significantly more space and comfort than a standard rideshare vehicle.
While DeMoss has framed the upgrade as a positive lifestyle change, many online critics viewed it differently.
DeMoss has previously explained that she lives with a thyroid condition that affects her weight and overall health. She has said managing her weight has been a “forever battle” and has spoken openly about struggling since childhood.
The rapper has also shared details of her health journey, revealing that she exercises regularly, takes vitamins, and has lost more than 100 pounds.
