The article describes a lawsuit filed by Alexander Morris, lead singer of the Four Tops, against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan. Morris, who is black, claims that hospital staff restrained him and ordered a psychological exam after he refused to believe he was part of the Motown music group during a visit for chest pain and breathing problems in April 2023.
According to the lawsuit, hospital staff “wrongfully assumed he was mentally ill when he revealed his identity as a celebrity figure,” citing an example of racial discrimination. Morris, who joined the Four Tops in 2019, but is not an original member, allegedly experienced a difficult time convincing hospital staff of his identity as the group’s lead singer.
The Four Tops, an iconic Motown music group, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. The group’s music legacy is steeped in American music history, and Morris’s identity as their lead singer is closely tied to this legacy. When hospital staff refused to recognize Morse’s identity, it was not only a professional affront but also a personal one, given his connection to the city of Detroit, his hometown.
Morris shared his experience with the public last year, recounting how he had returned to Detroit and was met with skepticism and confusion about his identity. He stated that he was “being told that I’m insane or schizophrenic,” which is a devastating assault on one’s self-esteem and dignity.
Alexander Morris (Via Alexander Morris/Twitter)
The hospital’s response to the lawsuit was lackluster, offering a $25 gift card as an apology, which Morris refused to accept. The hospital’s statement also did not directly address the claims of racial discrimination, instead deferring to their commitment to “honouring human dignity and acting with integrity and compassion for all persons and the community.” Moreover, the hospital refused to comment on pending litigation.
This incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity and understanding in healthcare settings, particularly when treating patients with complex identities or celebrity status. Healthcare providers must take steps to ensure that patients are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.
The lawsuit filed by Morris serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing racial discrimination and implicit bias in healthcare. As the hospital’s statement claims to prioritize “human dignity” and “integrity,” it is essential that healthcare providers take concrete steps to implement these values in their daily practice. Only by doing so can we ensure that patients receive the respect and care they deserve, without fear of discrimination or mistreatment.
