In what can only be described as a surreal mix of courtroom drama and Motown musical, Alexander Morris, a singer from the legendary band Four Tops, is suing Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan for alleged racial discrimination. On April 7, 2023, Morris went to the emergency room with difficulty breathing and chest pain—a night that soon turned into an ordeal more suited for an episode of "Twilight Zone" than a hospital visit.

According to court documents filed by Morris, the trouble started when hospital staff didn't believe he was who he said he was—a member of the Four Tops. In what can only be described as an ill-advised rendition of "Name That Tune," hospital personnel allegedly restrained Morris and removed his oxygen because they didn't think he was telling the truth.

Morris, who has a history of cardiac issues including stents and a defibrillator, had informed the staff of his identity. He also expressed concern about stalkers and overenthusiastic fans—a valid worry for someone with his fame. Yet, this information was met with what could charitably be described as skepticism, and more accurately as outright disbelief turning into negligence.

Adding to the Kafkaesque events, Morris claims a nurse and a security guard both outright refused to believe him. It seems the hospital staff required more than the title of 'Mr. Morris' to be convinced of his identity. According to the lawsuit, the security guard told him to "sit his Black a** down" when he tried to clarify who he was, demonstrating that bedside manner was clearly not part of this hospital's training program.

The indignity extended as Morris was reportedly restrained for about 90 minutes, during which he was denied his oxygen until proven otherwise. When Morris's wife arrived and confirmed his identity, staff were treated to a video of him performing at the Grammys—a somewhat unconventional, but clearly effective, means of ID verification.

Morris's legal filing claims this incident resulted from a deliberate misdiagnosis and a lower standard of medical care based on racial discrimination. Allegedly, one hospital security guard has a history of making racist comments and using excessive force. It's almost as if he auditioned for the role of a villain in this tragicomedic saga and, unfortunately, got the part.

And just when you think it couldn't get more ludicrous, the hospital reportedly offered Morris a $25 gift card as an apology. Yes, you read that correctly—a whole $25 to make amends for 90 excruciating minutes of oxygen deprivation and a new sense of betrayal by an institution meant to heal.

Morris stayed in the hospital for about five days, during which he claimed to have had three seizures. One would hope they were playing soulful Motown hits in the background, but let's not hold our breath.

Ascension hospital spokesperson stated, "We do not condone racial discrimination of any kind. We will not comment on pending litigation", which is hospital-speak for "please stop asking us about this terribly embarrassing fiasco."

The lawsuit seeks more than $75,000 in damages and a jury trial. Considering Morris’s traumatic experience, it’s safe to say that this amount is less a mountain and more of a molehill.

The incident not only amplifies the daily struggles faced by Black Americans in healthcare but also raises questions about the competency of medical staff when faced with an unusual but easily verifiable situation. Next time you find yourself humming to a Four Tops classic, remember that behind the soulful tunes and smooth dance moves lies a tale that shows reality can indeed be stranger than fiction.