In a recent interview with PEOPLE, veteran actor John Amos gave an update on his relationship with his daughter Shannon, whom he accused of elder abuse in June.
According to How Africa, the Good Times star lodged the charges against his daughter after she put up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her father’s medical and other needs. Her father, she claimed, was also struggling 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 stated that “all families go through trials and tribulations of some sort” and expressed hope that his family will have 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 charges of elder abuse surfaced when Shannon launched a GoFundMe campaign to gather $500,000 for the veteran actor’s “legal, medical, future housing, and care expenses.”
Shannon stated in the erased crowdfunding account that her father had been subjected to “elder abuse and financial exploitation.” In an Instagram post, she also claimed that her father was “hanging by a thread” and in “immense pain” after being admitted to a Memphis hospital.
Shannon went on to say that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation was coordinating with her to “ensure their prosecution and protect” her “father’s future,” and that the alleged abuse was “believed to have been perpetrated by a trusted caregiver.” However, after more than $13,000 was raised, the Coming to America star stated that wasn’t the case.
“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.
However, Shannon’s spokesperson informed the news outlet that the actress’s daughter was “disappointed 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 Mr. Kelly K.C. Amos’s social media posts.”
Her rep also stated that she is “exploring all legal remedies available to her,” and that “Ms. Amos hopes this matter will be resolved soon through the proper authorities.”