John Amos, Shannon Amos, and K.C. Amos at the 1st Annual “A Celebration of Heroes” Power Heroes Gala on December 3, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.Photo:Brian To/FilmMagic
Brian To/FilmMagic
The lateJohn Amosspoke out about his love for his family before hisdeath.
In an interview with PEOPLE in December 2023, theRootsactor opened up about his relationship with his kids after his daughter, Shannon Amos, claimed he was a “victim of elder abuse” at the hands of her brother, John’s son,K.C. Amos.
Speaking alongside his filmmaker son, John denied the claims, but said he will always hold his family close to his heart.
“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,” he said. “Suffice it to say we are still family, and we love each other, and that’s the bottom line.”
Shannon and John Amos.J.Sciulli/WireImage
J.Sciulli/WireImage
“It is [K.C.’s] sibling, that is my daughter, my first child. I love her. K.C. 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,” he reiterated.
Later, theGood Timespatriarch added that “all families go through trials and tribulations of some sort,” but he hoped for a “harmonious relationship at some point.”
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Johndied of natural causes at the age of 84on Aug. 21, although his family did not announce the news until Oct. 1. In a statement to PEOPLE from son K.C., he commended his father for his kindness and success in the entertainment industry.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” K.C. wrote. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”
Tibrina Hobson/WireImage
In June 2023, Shannon claimed that John was experiencing “elder abuse and financial exploitation” in alengthy Instagram post. She fileda complaint with the Colorado Bureau of Investigationandcreated a GoFundMe pageto raise “care expenses” for theComing to Americastar, but the page was laterremovedat his request.
“This cruel reality bewilders us, but we hold onto hope,” it later read. “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.”
Less than a year later, John told PEOPLE the allegations were “false and unmerited”, referring to K.C., 53, as “a caring, thoughtful human being who respects me.”
“People think this is about money and rivalry… it is not.” Shannon said in a statement responding. “…I love my brother and I hope he will get the help he needs, but we need to prioritize the safety of my father who is vulnerable, first and foremost. Anything else can be addressed within our family.”
John Amos.Neilson Barnard/Getty
Neilson Barnard/Getty
At the time, the Los Angeles Police Department also launched an investigation into Shannon’s claims that her brother wasn’t providing the appropriate care for their father amid his health issues. On April 8, the LAPDclosed the casedue to lack of evidence, which disappointed Shannon.
However, Amos thanked authorities for “their professionalism and thoroughness in their investigation.” He also vowed to “shed light on the real truth as to the motives of those who have painted a false narrative about me” in a documentary he was producing with his son.
source: people.com