Comedian Carrot Top, whose legal name is Scott Thompson, has been released from a Las Vegas hospital and is recovering at home with his family, following a suicide attempt at his residence on Sept. 18, according to a representative.
The 61-year-old is “doing well,” his rep confirmed, after spending nearly a week under medical care. He was hospitalized in critical condition after being found unconscious near the pool at his home, according to a police report. His manager had called for a welfare check after Thompson stopped responding to messages during a phone call in which he expressed concern about an article being prepared about him. He sent his manager a one-word text before going silent.
His representative, Jami Schlicher, gave an update on Sept. 20, while he was still hospitalized: “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 shared “moments of humor” with hospital staff and had been moved by messages from fans recounting how his comedy had helped them through difficult times. “Hearing those stories and feeling that support has meant a great deal to him during his recovery,” she said.
Legal dispute preceded hospitalization
Thompson’s hospitalization came during an ongoing legal fight with musician Brian Evans, who previously opened for Thompson’s long-running Las Vegas show at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. In a Sept. 3 court filing, Thompson’s attorney, Ronnie Bitman, alleged Evans threatened to publicly release a sexually explicit video of the comedian unless he was paid $500,000.
Evans has denied the allegations, telling reporters he “never threatened — ever — to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement,” and said the video in question had been “deleted a long time ago” under the terms of a previous settlement. Thompson’s attorneys later referenced the suicide attempt in filings seeking protective relief in the dispute.
Thompson has headlined at the Luxor since 2005, but the residency has been on hiatus since his hospitalization. It is not yet clear when he will return to the stage, though reports indicate his Las Vegas shows have been canceled for the next three weeks.
Schlicher previously said Thompson and his family were
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