Comedian Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home with family after a suicide attempt at his Las Vegas residence on Sept. 18, according to Page Six, which confirmed the update after it was first reported by People.
The 61-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition after being found unconscious near the pool in his backyard, according to a police report. His manager had called authorities for a welfare check after Thompson stopped responding to messages following a phone call in which he expressed concern about an article being prepared about him. After that call, he sent his manager a one-word text, then went silent.
Thompson spent nearly a week under medical care. His representative, Jami Schlicher, told Page Six on Sept. 20 that he was awake, breathing on his own and improving.
“Scott remains hospitalized and under close medical care. He is now awake, breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him.”
Schlicher said Thompson had been sharing “moments of humor” with hospital staff and had been moved by messages from fans recounting how his comedy helped them through hard times.
“Many messages from fans have been shared with Scott, including stories from people about how his comedy helped them through difficult periods in their own lives. Hearing those stories and feeling that support has meant a great deal to him during his recovery.”
Legal dispute preceded hospitalization
The hospitalization came in the middle of a contentious legal fight with musician Brian Evans, who had opened for Thompson’s long-running Las Vegas show. Thompson’s attorney, Ronnie Bitman, alleged in a Sept. 3 court filing that Evans threatened to publicly release a sexually explicit video of the comedian unless he was paid $500,000.
Evans has denied the extortion claim, telling Page Six he “never threatened — ever — to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement,” and said the video had been “deleted a long time ago” under the terms of a previous settlement. Thompson’s attorneys later referenced the suicide attempt in court filings while seeking protective relief in the dispute.
Thompson’s residency at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, where he has performed since 2005, has been on hold since his hospitalization. TMZ reported Friday that he canceled his Las Vegas shows for the next three weeks. It has not been announced when he will return to the stage.
Schlicher said Thompson and his family are “deeply grateful for the extraordinary kindness” shown to them and asked that his privacy be respected during his recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
