Credit: Stefan Brending

The Four Tops singer accuses hospital of racial discrimination

Wed 12 June 2024 13:37, UK

Alexander Morris, singer with Motown icons The Four Tops, is suing a hospital in Michigan over racial discrimination, and alleges he didn’t receive sufficient care.

In April 2023, Morris was admitted to their care at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital, and claims he was labelled “delusional” by staff at the medical facility, who he alleges refused to believe he was a member of The Four Tops.

Morris, who isn’t an original member of the chart-topping group but has been their vocalist since 2019, was rushed to the hospital after suffering chest pains. However, he alleges they put him through psychiatric tests, which he believes were unnecessary after he shared his fears about “current security concerns due to stalkers and fans”.

He alleges in a new lawsuit, submitted on June 10th, that he was placed in a straitjacket after revealing his worries about fans, and staff “wrongfully assumed he was mentally ill when he revealed his identity as a celebrity figure”.

The singer stated that he pleaded to have the jacket removed so he could leave the facility in order to move to a different hospital, but his request was denied.

Eventually, the lawsuit states a nurse did finally believe Morris was a member of The Four Tops, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled psychiatric test. As an apology, they allegedly offered him a $25 gift card, which he refused to accept. He is seeking compensation of at least $75,000, according to People.

The hospital, a nurse and a security guard are being sued over accusations of racial discrimination and misconduct. Reportedly, the security guard named in the case has since passed away last September.

In response to the allegations and lawsuit, a spokesperson for the Ascension hospital group affirmed: “The health, safety and well-being of our patients, associates and community members remains our top priority. “

They also stated: “We remain committed to honoring human dignity and acting with integrity and compassion for all persons and the community.”

The medical facility concluded by adding, “We do not condone racial discrimination of any kind. We will not comment on pending litigation. We will not comment on pending litigation.”

This is a developing story.