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The confrontation escalated as Blanding questioned the driver’s reasoning. “So every big person, you turn down because they can’t fit in your car?” she asked. The driver, sticking to his stance, claimed that his tires could not handle her weight and suggested she request an Uber XL instead. Despite the refusal, he did refund her for the canceled ride.
At nearly 500 pounds, Blanding believes the denial was not just an inconvenience but a clear act of discrimination. Now, she has enlisted attorneys Jonathan Marko and Zach Runyan to take legal action against Lyft, arguing that her rights were violated under Michigan’s laws protecting individuals from discrimination based on weight.
Marko strongly condemned the driver’s actions, stating, “I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong.” He further emphasized that weight is a protected characteristic in Michigan, drawing a direct comparison between Blanding’s experience and other forms of discrimination, such as race or religion.
Lyft allows drivers to decline passengers if they perceive a safety threat, but according to Marko, denying someone a ride based on weight alone does not fall under that category.
For Blanding, the incident was more than just an inconvenience; it was an emotionally painful experience. “I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” she told FOX 2. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”
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The lawsuit is expected to raise significant legal questions about the extent to which companies like Lyft can allow drivers to make subjective decisions about whom they transport. While rideshare drivers do have some discretion in accepting passengers, Michigan’s anti-discrimination laws could play a pivotal role in determining whether Blanding’s lawsuit has merit.
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This case may also spark broader discussions about weight discrimination and accessibility in the rideshare industry. Should rideshare companies require drivers to accommodate passengers of all sizes, or should drivers have the right to determine whether they can safely transport a passenger?
Lyft has yet to issue an official statement regarding the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Blanding and her legal team are pushing forward, determined to hold the company accountable for what they view as an unjust denial of service.
As the case unfolds, it may set a precedent for similar incidents in the future, potentially influencing rideshare policies nationwide. For now, Blanding remains committed to her fight, not just for herself, but for others who might face similar treatment.
