Alexander Morris, a member of the iconic Motown group The Four Tops, has filed a federal lawsuit against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan, alleging racial discrimination and false imprisonment. The lawsuit stems from an incident in April 2023 when Morris, experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing, visited the hospital’s emergency room. Instead of receiving immediate medical attention, Morris claims he was subjected to racial profiling and mistreatment.
Morris, who is Black, recounted that upon informing the hospital staff of his celebrity status and his concerns about security due to stalkers and fans, he was met with disbelief. A white security guard allegedly told him to “sit his Black ass down,” and he was subsequently placed in a straitjacket. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan, names the hospital, a nurse, and a security guard as defendants.
In a statement, Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital declined to comment on the pending litigation but emphasized their commitment to dignity, integrity, and compassion for all individuals. “We do not condone racial discrimination of any kind,” the hospital stated.
Morris described the ordeal as “terrifying,” expressing his shock at becoming a victim of what he termed “being sick while Black.” He noted that despite the racial slur and mistreatment, the hospital did not take any action against the security guard involved. “I filed the lawsuit to hold the hospital accountable and to protect younger generations from racism in healthcare,” Morris said.
The security guard named in the lawsuit, Greg Ciesielski, passed away in September 2023 due to a ruptured aorta. Messages to his family were not returned, and the nurse involved, Holly Jackson, could not be reached for comment. The emergency room physician who treated Morris is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Morris’ attorney, Jasmine Rand, expressed surprise upon learning of Ciesielski’s death and indicated that they would pursue legal action against his estate if necessary.
The Four Tops, a Grammy Award-nominated group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, is known for hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” At the time of the incident, the group was on a national tour with The Temptations and had recently performed at the Grammy Awards.
Morris, who has a history of heart problems, including the placement of stents and a defibrillator, was transported to the emergency room by ambulance and was already receiving oxygen. He was later diagnosed with a heart attack that may require a heart transplant, pneumonia, and he suffered three seizures during his hospital stay.
Upon arrival at the ER, Morris informed a nurse and a security guard of his medical history and current symptoms. However, when he mentioned his celebrity status, the ER doctor allegedly assumed he was mentally ill and ordered a psychological evaluation, removing his oxygen in the process.
Morris’ lawsuit claims that despite his attempts to show identification and prove his identity, the staff ignored his pleas and continued to mistreat him. He was restrained in a straitjacket for about 90 minutes, during which time his medical condition worsened. His wife eventually arrived and confirmed his identity, leading to the removal of the straitjacket and the reinstatement of his oxygen.
The lawsuit accuses the hospital and its staff of gross negligence, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Morris was offered a $25 Meijer gift card as an apology, which he declined.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many questioning the hospital’s handling of the situation and the apparent racial bias involved. Morris’ case highlights ongoing concerns about racial discrimination in healthcare and the need for systemic change to ensure equitable treatment for all patients.
