John Amos’ reps called the appeal ‘false and inaccurate’ (Picture: WireImage)
Reps for John Amos have denied his daughter’s claims that he is the victim of elder abuse and financial exploitation.
The 83-year-old has been a fixture of our screens for decades, appearing in Good Times, Coming To America, The West Wing and the Die Hard franchise over the years.
Earlier this week, his daughter, producer Shannon, launched an appeal to help the Hollywood legend after explaining that he was fighting for his life in intensive care.
But Amos’ rep told Metro.co.uk the appeal is ‘false and inaccurate.’
‘In November of last year, my dad and I created a video together—a cherished moment forever etched in my heart. Little did I know that our lives would soon take a devastating turn,’ she began a lengthy message on a GoFundMe page. ‘On May 14th of this year, I received a distressing call from my dad, who was hospitalized far away in Memphis, Tennessee.
‘Though I was out of the country, we managed a brief FaceTime conversation before his pain became too unbearable. Desperate, I reached out to a family friend, who flew to Memphis while I prepared to join them. What we found shattered our world: my dad fighting for his life in the ICU.
‘During the following weeks, my family and I unraveled a horrifying truth—my dad had fallen victim to elder abuse and financial exploitation. Determined to seek justice, we a are working closely with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and the local Sheriff’s Department in my father’s home state.
His reps said he was then to hospital for other reasons (Picture: WireImage)
‘To catch and prosecute the alleged perpetrators, we now require legal assistance, hoping they face the full weight of the law. Meanwhile, our priority remains my father’s medical needs and providing him a safe haven. His home had been violated, stripped of anything valuable.’
Shannon went on to say that elder abuse is a ‘widespread issue’, stating that more than 10% of those over 60 fall victim to similar scams.
She revealed the family are in need of resources to cover John’s legal expenses, ongoing medical treatment and his recent hospitalization, and that he had a ‘daunting road to recovery’ ahead of him.
‘We are deeply saddened by John’s victimization through elder abuse, neglect, and fiduciary abuse, believed to be perpetrated by a trusted caregiver,’ she continued. ‘This betrayal has devastated us, and we are resolute in continuing a thorough investigation.
‘The cruelty inflicted upon my dad leaves me questioning what kind of human could commit such acts. Yet, we hold onto hope that justice will prevail. Every penny raised will be entrusted to a special fund for my father, dedicated solely to his care, legal fees, and aftercare.
‘In addition to addressing John’s immediate medical needs, we stand united in seeking justice for him. Your donations will aid in covering legal expenses and holding the perpetrator(s) accountable. This campaign is also an opportunity for us to express our heartfelt appreciation for John’s immense contributions to the entertainment industry.
‘The funds raised will provide the support and assistance John may require in the coming years.’
Shannon concluded the post: ‘John Amos, known as “America’s TV Dad,” is 83, vulnerable, and needs our support. Please join us, his family, and his closest friends, in raising the funds required for his recovery, pursuit of justice, and long-term care.
John became a fan favorite for his role in Good Times (Picture: CBS)
‘Together, let us support this legendary figure who has touched the lives of many.’
The reason behind John’s hospitalization was not made clear in the post, with more than $3,000 being raised of the $500,000 target at the time of writing.
However, his spokesperson has since confirmed to Metro.co.uk and told TMZ that there no abuse taking place, and that John has ‘no idea’ why his daughter started the appeal.
His reps also said that he was taken to hospital because his lower body was filling with fluid -which sparked issues with his heart.
Amos has ‘no idea’ why his daughter launched the appeal (Picture: Getty)
They added that doctors had drained the fluid and that he was feeling better.
The New Jersey-born actor initially pursued a career in American football before turning his attention to acting, impressing many with his stint as Gordy Howard in the Mary Tyler Moore show in 1970.
He went on to appear in Good Times, Roots, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the West Wing and many, many more.
As well as the small screen, John has gone on to command some epic roles on film sets, with his stint as Cleo McDowell in Coming To America becoming a fan favorite.
The star went on to reprise the part in 2021’s sequel, Coming 2 America, alongside Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.
One of his last roles came as Gil in Netflix movie Me Time, alongside Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg and Regina Hall.
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for John and Shannon Amos for a comment.
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They said it was ‘false and inaccurate’.