Detroit, Michigan – Alexander Morris, the lead singer of the Four Tops, has filed a lawsuit against Ascension Macomb-Oakland hospital in Warren, alleging racial discrimination and false imprisonment during an incident in April 2023. The lawsuit claims that hospital staff restrained Morris and ordered a psychological exam after failing to recognize him as a member of the iconic Motown music group, despite presenting identification that could have easily verified his identity.
The Four Tops, a legendary group that originated in the 1950s and achieved success with hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “It’s The Same Old Song,” were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Although Morris is not an original member, he joined the group in 2019.
According to the lawsuit, Morris informed the hospital staff about his celebrity status and security concerns due to stalkers and fans, but they allegedly disregarded his claims and proceeded to place him in a restraining jacket, leading to false imprisonment and the deprivation of his personal property. It was only after a nurse recognized Morris as a member of the Four Tops that the psychological exam was canceled.
The lawsuit further reveals that the hospital offered Morris a $25 gift card as an apology, which he declined. In response, the hospital stated its commitment to upholding human dignity without condoning any form of racial discrimination, but refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation.
Morris previously spoke about the incident publicly, expressing frustration over being labeled as mentally ill or schizophrenic upon his return to Detroit, his hometown. The legal action taken by Morris sheds light on the challenges faced by Black individuals in asserting their identities and being treated with respect and dignity in healthcare settings.