She posted a video of the alleged encounter on social media, which has since sparked significant discussion online.
In the video, the driver of a Mercedes Benz sedan can be heard expressing doubts about whether Blanding would fit in the back seat of his car.
They state: “I got no space at all, my car is small.”
In response, the rapper insists: “I can fit in this car.”
Despite her assurance, the driver reiterates his position: “No, believe me, you can’t, so… I’m sorry.”
Blanding then questions what will happen to the payment she made for the ride, to which the derived explains that he will cancel the trip so she will receive a refund.
She then asks him directly if his refusal is due to her size, to which he replies: “Yeah, you need to order a bigger car.”
In an unusual remark, the driver also claims his tires are ‘very tired’ – another reason for refusing the ride.
In the clip, Blanding questions: What I got to do with your tires?”
The rapper has shared the video on Instagram and called out Lyft for what she believes was discriminatory treatment, claiming in the caption: “@lyft what yall got to say about this yall driver discriminated against me. I JUST FEEL LIKE YALL TREAT BIG PPLE LIKE S*** LIKE WE DONT BELONG HERE.”
In a statement to Fox 2 Detroit, Blanding revealed that she had retained two attorneys and is moving forward with a lawsuit, citing discrimination.
Michigan is currently the only U.S. state with specific laws prohibiting weight discrimination.
Reflecting on her experience, Blanding told Fox: “I’ve been in cars smaller than that. I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
Jonathan Marko, one of the rapper’s attorneys, emphasized the legal aspect of the case, stating: “I knew that it was illegal and I knew that it was wrong.
“It would be no different than a driver pulling up and saying, ‘I don’t want to have Black people in my car or I don’t want to have Christians in my car.’ It’s the same, under the law it’s the same.”
Lyft has since issued a response, addressing the controversy.
In a statement to Fox 2 Detroit, the company clarified its stance against discrimination.
“We unequivocally condemn all forms of discrimination,” the statement read. “We believe in a community where everyone is treated with equal respect and mutual kindness. Our community guidelines and terms of service explicitly prohibit harassment or discrimination.”
