On June 8, the daughter of Good Times star John Amos posted some troubling news about the 83-year-old actor on Instagram, but now, John himself has disputed the veracity of her claim and the validity of a fundraiser she says she set up to pay for his care. In a statement released to People by his representative, John explained that he is not fighting for his life, as his daughter Shannon Amos stated publicly, and asked that donations made to her GoFundMe be returned.
And yet, the situation is even more complicated than that. In addition to the disagreement over the GoFundMe and John's condition, Shannon also claimed that John is a victim of elder abuse—a claim that's being investigated by authorities in Colorado where he lives. Read on to find out more.
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Shannon claims that John was "hanging by a thread."
On June 8, Shannon posted a photo of herself and her father on Instagram, along with a lengthy caption in which she claimed that her father called her on May 14 to tell her he was hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee. "ICU revealed his life hanging by a thread," she wrote. Shannon went on to claim that John was "a victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation" and that she was "collaborating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and local authorities, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice."
She also announced that a GoFundMe had been set up to help with healthcare costs and legal fees and that the money donated would be placed in a trust.
At the time of publication of this article, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $13,000 from 311 donations. The goal is set at $500,000. The message on the GoFundMe is signed "John’s Family & Closest Friends" and Shannon is listed as the organizer.
John denies that he was in the ICU.
Kathy Hutchins / ShutterstockOn June 13, a representative for John shared a statement with People in which the 83-year-old actor says he was never fighting for his life and that he wants the GoFundMe taken down.
"To all of my fans, I want you to know that I am doing well," the statement reads. "I am not in ICU, nor was I ever fighting for my life. First, I want the GoFundMe campaign about me to stop immediately and the funds subsequently returned to those who made donations. My son and I will reveal more information at the appropriate time."
John's son is K.C. Amos, who, like his sister, has posted about his father's health on Instagram. John welcomed both of his children with his first wife, Noel Mickelson.
On June 9, K.C. made a post with the text, "The Go Fund was not authorized by John Amos." On June 11, he posted a video of himself visiting his father in the hospital with the caption, "Who can deny the bond a father & son have for each other?" These same posts—as well as other posts by K.C.—have also been published to John's Instagram.
He was hospitalized for a heart issue.
Featureflash Photo Agency / ShutterstockTMZ reported on June 8 that Belinda Foster, a representative for John, said that the Roots star was hospitalized because his lower body was filling with fluid and it was causing issues for his heart. The rep said that doctors were able to drain the fluid and that John was doing better.
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An investigation is underway.
Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Time Warner Inc.The allegation of elder abuse is being investigated in Colorado by the Custer County Sheriff's Office with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation assisting, as confirmed to Best Life.
"Mr. Amos has been a beloved member of our community for many years. He has also been an ardent supporter of our community and this sheriff's office," a press release reads. "We take allegations of crimes very seriously. We can confirm that an allegation was made to the Custer County Sheriff's Office that Mr. Amos could be a victim of a crime. We are thoroughly investigating that allegation and have consulted with our partners at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Department of Human Services. We have also been in contact with Mr. Amos and his attorney."
The statement goes on to note that Colorado does not have a specific charge of "elder abuse," but that this sort of allegation could fall into categories of offenses including assault, criminal negligence, caretaker neglect, exploitation, and more. It is not specified who is being accused.
Shannon's spokesperson Anna Torres provided Best Life with the following statement: “Shannon Amos and the family are unwavering in their commitment to ensuring John's safety, stability, and healing. Shannon will not provide further comment as the investigation remains open with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and Custer County Sheriff’s Department. This continues to be a private family matter that Shannon hopes will be resolved soon.”
Best Life has also reached out to John and K.C. Amos for additional comment.
