The lead singer of the Four Tops is suing a Detroit-area hospital for racial discrimination, alleging that the staff placed him in a restraining jacket and ordered a psychiatric evaluation because they did not believe he was a public figure.
Alexander Morris, who became part of the iconic Motown quartet in 2018, claims that he was taken to Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan on April 7, 2023, in an ambulance due to signs of cardiac distress. In the emergency room, he informed a nurse and a security guard – both listed as defendants in the lawsuit – about his status in the Four Tops because of security concerns related to stalkers and fans.
The Four Tops, known for creating the Motown Sound with hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” were on a national tour with the Temptations and had recently performed at the Grammy Awards when Morris was admitted to Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital.
However, Morris, who is Black, alleges in the lawsuit that the nurse, a White security guard, and a White emergency room doctor did not believe his claims about being part of the group. He asserts that they racially profiled him and incorrectly assumed he was mentally ill, opting for a psychiatric evaluation instead of providing the urgent medical treatment he required.
Morris, who had a history of cardiac issues including stents and a defibrillator, was reportedly taken off oxygen at the doctor’s direction, and a security guard was instructed to restrain him and confiscate his belongings. Morris tried to prove his identity with his ID but was met with a derogatory remark from the security guard. Despite nurses hearing the comment, they did not intervene to stop the discrimination.
He claims he was left without oxygen and restrained for 90 minutes, leading to a diagnosis of heart infraction, potential need for a heart transplant, pneumonia, and three seizures during his hospital stay. The hospital allegedly offered him a $25 gift card as an apology, which he declined.
The lawsuit also includes allegations of racist behavior by hospital staff and tampering with incident reports related to Morris’ case. Morris is seeking damages exceeding $75,000 in a jury trial for racial discrimination, civil rights violations, negligence, and other charges.
The hospital responded to the lawsuit by stating their commitment to human dignity and integrity, not condoning any form of racial discrimination. They declined to comment further on the ongoing legal proceedings.
