According to reports, the lead singer of the Four Tops was allegedly restrained and ordered to undergo a psychological exam by a hospital in Warren, Michigan. The reason for this was that the hospital staff refused to believe that he was actually part of the famous Motown music group.
On Monday, Alexander Morris, a Black individual, launched a lawsuit against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren. Morris claims that during his visit in April 2023 for chest pain and breathing problems, he suffered racial discrimination and other forms of misconduct.
According to the lawsuit, the hospital staff made a wrongful assumption about the mental health of the celebrity figure when he disclosed his identity.
In the 1950s, The Four Tops made their debut and became popular with hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “It’s The Same Old Song.” Their musical success led them to be inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Although Morris was not part of the original members, he became a member of the group in 2019.
According to the lawsuit, Morris’ true identity as a member of the Four Tops was only believed by a nurse, which led to the cancellation of his psychological exam.
According to the lawsuit, Morris declined a $25 gift card that the hospital offered as a gesture of apology.
In response to the lawsuit, the hospital stated that they are dedicated to upholding human dignity and conducting themselves with integrity and empathy towards all individuals and the community. They firmly denounce any form of racial discrimination and have refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings.
In a public statement last year, Morris shared that he had come back to his hometown of Detroit only to be met with people who were telling him that he was either insane or schizophrenic.