Alexander Morris, lead singer of the iconic Motown ensemble the Four Tops, has taken legal action against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren. In a story reported by The Detroit News, Morris claims racial discrimination and mistreatment by hospital staff, which included being physically restrained and undergoing an unwarranted psychological evaluation during his April 2023 visit for chest pain and difficulty breathing.
According to the lawsuit, Morris was assumed by staff to be mentally ill due to their disbelief in his celebrity status. Staff at the hospital responded with a straitjacket-like device when he voiced concerns over stalkers and fans. "The nurse realized plaintiff was a member of the Four Tops," the lawsuit stated after Morris provided a nurse with a video of himself performing at the Grammy Awards, as per The Detroit News. The hospital has declined to comment on pending litigation but emphasized its commitment to patient and community care.
The singer has accused the hospital of ceasing his medical treatment and denying him oxygen, as per the documents. USA Today detailed the events, including how a hospital staff member insulted Morris with a racial slur when he attempted to prove his identity. Moreover, a hospital security guard later claimed the individual who detained Morris had a troubling record of rival behaviors against other patients and making racist comments.
Morris's accusations extend to the hospital offering a trivial $25 Meijer gift card as an apology for the indignities he faced, which he refused. After the incident was brought to light, it was revealed in the lawsuit that internal hospital reports might have been altered, with a security guard alleging that racist incidents were omitted and the staff was advised against discussing the matter outwardly. This detail was shared by ABC News.
Morris, who joined the Grammy-winning Four Tops in 2019, is now seeking more than $75,000 in damages and has called for a jury trial. The lawsuit targets not just the hospital but also individual staff members for their involvement. The Four Tops are renowned for their contributions to the Detroit music scene with hits like "I Can't Help Me (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" and "Reach Out I'll Be There," with the band's history stretching back to the 1950s.
