Veteran actor John Amos in a recent interview with PEOPLE provided an update on his relationship with his daughter Shannon after he accused her of elderly abuse in June.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, the Good Times actor leveled the allegations against his daughter after she set up a GoFundMe to raise money for her father’s medical and other expenses. She also claimed that her father was fighting for his life at the time.
Despite the controversy, Amos in the interview expressed his love for Shannon. “It is his sibling, that is my daughter, my first child. I love her. K.C. [his son] loves his sister. We just have, I guess, what might be best described in the tabloids is an acrimonious relationship, but everything heals in time, and the love is still there,” the 83-year-old said.
Amos also said that “all families go through trials and tribulations of some sort” and expressed his optimism about his family having a “harmonious relationship at some point.”
“Right now, it is somewhat acrimonious, but never mind what you might read or hear about in the paper or on this medium or that medium platform. Suffice it to say we are still family, and we love each other, and that’s the bottom line,” the Roots star added.
The elder abuse allegations arose after Shannon set up a GoFundMe to raise $500,000 for the veteran actor’s “legal, medical, future housing, and care expenses.”
Shannon, in the removed fundraiser account, claimed that her father had suffered “elder abuse and financial exploitation.” She had also claimed in an Instagram post that she was informed her father was “hanging by a thread” and in “immense pain” after being admitted to a Memphis hospital.
Shannon further stated that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation was liaising with her to “ensure their prosecution, and protect” her “father’s future”, adding that the alleged abuse was “believed to be perpetrated by a trusted caregiver.” However, the Coming to America actor claimed that wasn’t the case after over $13,000 was raised.
“She would be the primary suspect — if you would,” the 83-year-old actor said in a video from a hospital bed at the time. “I don’t know if that’s the right term to use or not. But she’s the one that I would attribute my elderly abuse to. It’s definitely a case of elderly abuse.”
Following his daughter’s claims, John also informed PEOPLE that he was “doing well.” “To all of my fans, I want to share this video with you to show you that I am not in the distressed condition as described on the GoFundMe page.”
He also said he wasn’t in the ICU or was ever fighting for his life. “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,” he added.
But a representative for Shannon told the news outlet that the actor’s daughter had been left “disheartened at the continuation of false and defamatory statements being made against her by, or on behalf of, or in connection with news reports based on social media posts by Mr. Kelly K.C. Amos.”
Her representative also said she’s “exploring all legal remedies available to her,” adding that “Ms. Amos hopes this matter will be resolved soon through the proper authorities.”
