'America's Dad' John Amos In Hospital As Elder Abuse Investigation Begins

Actor John Amos is in the hospital as the official investigation begins into elder abuse claims.

His daughter, Shannon Amos, alleged that her father is a victim of elder abuse and started a GoFundMe page to aid with legal assistance and medical bills. However, the "Good Times" actor, known as "America's Dad," has denied that he is the victim of elder abuse and has said that he doesn't know why his daughter launched the fundraiser.

Last week, John Amos' daughter, Shannon Amos, created a GoFundMe for the 83-year-old actor, which has raised over $12,000 dollars from 308 donations. It is still far short of her $500,000 goal. She claimed that her father was "fighting for his life" in the ICU and had become a victim of elder abuse.

The "Roots" actor has been hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee, since May, although the actor denied that he is the victim of elder abuse. Shortly after the GoFundMe was launched, Amos told TMZ that he is not sure why his daughter started the fundraiser and asserted that he is not being abused.

However, the Colorado sheriff’s office is investigating claims of elder abuse involving the actor. On Friday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation sent out a news release on behalf of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the incident.

“The men and women of the Custer County Colorado Sheriff’s Office want to extend our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for Mr. John Amos,” the press release reads. “His publicist has released information that he is currently a patient at a hospital in Tennessee. 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.”

“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," the release continued, putting "could be" in bold font. "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.”

“As with any potential criminal investigation we are unable to provide any additional comment on the case or the investigation,” the release added. “We have received questions from media outlets across the country and this will serve as our statement until we are in a position to release additional information.”

In an Instagram post and a GoFundMe page, Shannon alleged that “On May 14th, I would receive a distressing call: from my dad, sharing that he was hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee, in immense pain,” adding, “Despite being out of the country, I arranged for help to reach him. ICU revealed his life hanging by a thread.”

"The past two weeks shattered our world. My dad, a victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation," she continued. "We are collaborating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and local authorities, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. Legal assistance is crucial to ensure their prosecution and protect my father's future. His home, stripped bare, necessitates a safe space for his return."

"This cruel reality bewilders us, but we hold onto hope. Every donation will be directed to a trust for my dad's care, legal fees, and aftercare," she added. "Help us win this battle, send love, and kindle hope for the day we can dance together again. Your support means the world, as we navigate this darkness, united in the belief that justice and healing will prevail."

Although Shannon disabled comments on her Instagram post, her GoFundMe page was full of fans who were offering small donations to help the actor. One fan who donated $20 wrote, “Growing up, John made me laugh. It breaks my heart that people can be so cruel. To work all of your life and then have someone take what’s yours is so wrong on so many levels. I will pray for John and hope that those who stole from him and abused him are brought to justice. I will be praying for John.”