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Carrot Top Recovering From Suicide Attempt: Health Update on Comedian
Comedian Carrot Top is recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after a reported suicide attempt, according to multiple reports.
The 61-year-old entertainer, whose real name is Scott Thompson, was hospitalized Friday, Sept. 18, shortly before he was scheduled to perform at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. His representative, Jami Schlicher, later confirmed that Thompson was receiving medical care and asked the public to respect his family's privacy.
His representative has since provided a more encouraging update, saying Thompson is awake, breathing on his own and continuing to improve while surrounded by family and loved ones.
His Las Vegas Shows Have Been Canceled
The medical emergency has forced the cancellation of multiple performances at the Luxor, where Carrot Top has maintained a long-running residency since 2005.
According to reports, shows have now been canceled through at least Sept. 28 as he remains under medical care.
The Luxor and MGM Resorts have expressed support for the comedian during his recovery.
An Alleged $500,000 Extortion Demand
The hospitalization comes amid a separate and highly contentious legal dispute involving musician Brian Evans, a former opening act for Thompson.
According to a Sept. 3 court filing obtained by TMZ, Thompson's attorneys allege that Evans demanded $500,000 to resolve claims against the comedian and threatened to place a sexually explicit recording involving Thompson into a court docket if the settlement was not reached. Thompson's legal team characterized the communication as an attempted extortion.
The filing reportedly included an email in which Evans presented a $500,000 settlement as one option and said he would otherwise proceed with another court filing.
Evans Denies Threatening Him
Evans has strongly disputed Thompson's attorneys' characterization of the dispute.
He told TMZ that he never threatened to release the recording and claimed the video had already been deleted under the terms of an earlier settlement. Evans also expressed sympathy for Thompson following his hospitalization and said he did not consider the comedian a bad person.
The allegations surrounding the legal dispute have not been established as criminal extortion, and Evans has not been charged with extorting Thompson.
Thompson's Condition Has Improved
The latest update from Thompson's representative offers some reassurance after several days of uncertainty.
He is reportedly awake, breathing without assistance and interacting with hospital staff as he continues to recover. His representative said Thompson's family and those closest to him are grateful for the concern and support he has received.
No further details about his medical treatment have been publicly disclosed.
A Career Built in Las Vegas
Carrot Top has been a fixture of Las Vegas entertainment for more than two decades.
Known for his bright red hair, physical comedy and elaborate prop-based performances, Thompson became one of the most recognizable comedians of the 1990s before establishing his long-running Las Vegas residency.
For now, his attention is away from the stage and focused on recovery.
His family has asked for privacy as he receives treatment and works toward returning home.
Source: ET
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