Alexander Morris, a member of the legendary Motown group The Four Tops, is suing Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan, for racial discrimination and false imprisonment. Morris, who visited the hospital in April 2023 with chest pain and difficulty breathing, alleges that staff mistreated him based on racial bias.
According to Morris, when he informed the hospital staff of his identity as a famous singer, they assumed he was mentally ill. A white security guard reportedly told him to “sit his Black ass down,” and Morris was subsequently placed in a straitjacket instead of receiving appropriate medical care. Morris described the ordeal as “terrifying.”
Harris’s federal lawsuit, filed Monday in the Eastern District of Michigan, names the hospital, nurse Holly Jackson, and security guard Greg Ciesielski, who passed away in September 2023, as defendants. Ascension Health declined to comment on the pending litigation but condemned any form of racial discrimination.
Morris, who has a history of heart problems, was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Despite explaining his symptoms and medical history, the ER doctor allegedly removed his oxygen and ordered a psychological evaluation. Morris’ condition worsened, leading to three seizures.
Eventually, Morris’ wife intervened, and a nurse recognized him as a member of The Four Tops after seeing a video of him performing at the Grammy Awards. His restraints were removed, and he was placed back on oxygen.
Morris’ lawsuit includes claims of gross negligence, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He hopes the lawsuit will hold the hospital accountable and prevent future racial discrimination in healthcare.
The Four Tops, known for 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 at the time of the incident.
