The Four Tops frontman says a Detroit-area hospital refused to believe he was a member of the Motown music group, restrained him and ordered a psychological examination.
Alexander Morris, who is Black, filed a lawsuit Monday against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, alleging racial discrimination and other misconduct during an April 2023 visit for chest pain and breathing problems.
The lawsuit alleges that hospital staff “erroneously believed that he was mentally ill when he revealed his celebrity status.” He told them that “he is currently facing safety issues due to stalkers and fans”.
The Four Tops formed in the 1950s and had hits such as “I Can’t Help Myself” (“Sugar Pie”, “Honey Bunch”) and “It’s The Same Old Song”. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Morris was not an original member, but he joined the group in 2019.
Although his ID “easily” identified him as a singer, he was “put on a restraint jacket.” He claims he was “wrongfully imprisoned and deprived of his personal property”. The lawsuit alleges that a nurse eventually became convinced that Morris was among the “Four” and the psychological exam was canceled.
The hospital offered a $25 gift card as an apology, but Morris refused to accept it, according to the lawsuit.
“We remain committed to respecting human dignity and treating all people and communities with integrity and compassion,” the hospital said in response to the lawsuit. “We do not tolerate racial discrimination in any form. We do not comment on pending litigation.
Morris spoke publicly about the incident last year, saying he returned to his hometown of Detroit and “was told I was crazy or schizophrenic.”
