A rapper and activist is taking her battle against Lyft to court, claiming the ride-sharing company discriminated against her due to her size.
Aurora Matt CLK, known for her music and advocacy work on body positivity, says she was denied a ride by a Lyft driver in 2020 because of her size. In a complaint filed in a federal court in California, CLK alleges that the driver, identified only as “John Doe,” made demeaning comments and canceled the ride due to her weight.
According to the lawsuit, CLK requested a ride from a Lyft driver in San Francisco, but the driver arrived and refused to transport her, citing a shortage of “available space” in the vehicle. The driver then allegedly made a comment about CLK’s size, suggesting she was too big for the car.
“Because I was too heavy, he called me a ‘pillow’ and then added, ‘I’m full, no more room for pillows,'” CLK alleged in the lawsuit.
The incident left her feeling humiliated and upset, CLK said, and she is now seeking damages from Lyft, claiming the company failed to provide a safe and accessible ride service. Her lawsuit accuses Lyft of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, including weight.
“Lyft’s failure to address this form of discrimination and continue to provide inaccessible and unreliable services perpetuates systemic ableism and discrimination against individuals of all sizes,” the lawsuit claims.
This lawsuit comes at a time when there is growing awareness and action around body positivity and the importance of size inclusivity. Activists and advocates have been pushing for greater representation and inclusivity in media, fashion, and other industries, and this case highlights the need for similar change in the service sector.
A representative for Lyft has not yet commented on the suit. The case is set to go to trial later this year.
