John Amos Speaks Out On Elder Abuse Claims: 'I Am Doing Well'

Actor John Amos, known as "America's Dad" for his role in the series "Good Times," is believed to be a victim of elder abuse, according to claims made by his daughter, Shannon Amos.

His daughter revealed that the 83-year-old actor was "fighting for his life" in the ICU in an Instagram post and a GoFundMe fundraiser that is requesting $500,000 to help the actor. However, the "Roots" actor has insisted that he is not the victim of elder abuse and insists that he is "doing well" even as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation begins looking into the allegations.

Last week, Shannon Amos took to Instagram to promote a GoFundMe set up for the actor. The GoFundMe page has only received just over $12,000 of its $500,000 goal. A few hours after the fundraiser started making headlines, Amos released a statement to TMZ saying that her statement was "a lie" and that he had never been fighting for his life in the ICU. He also claimed that he had "no idea" why his daughter would start the fundraiser or why she would be insisting that he was the victim of elder abuse.

On Monday, a representative for the actor told People magazine that the actor is "doing well" and passed along a statement from the actor himself. "To all of my fans, I want you to know that I am doing well. I am not in ICU, nor was I ever fighting for my life," the statement read. "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."

In an Instagram post published on June 8, Shannon gave her version of events, writing, "On May 14th, I would receive a distressing call: from my dad, sharing that he was hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee, in immense pain. 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. We are collaborating with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and local authorities, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice," she continued. "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. 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," she added. "If you would like to provide care and support for my Dad all donations are going to a trust fund that has been set up for him. The link is in my bio."

On Friday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation sent out a press release on behalf of the Custer County Sheriff’s Office after the GoFundMe page was created. “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.”