Carrot Top has spoken publicly for the first time in nearly a month since his suicide attempt, thanking fans for their support and confirming that he plans to return to the stage.
The 61-year-old comedian, whose legal name is Scott Thompson, was hospitalized on September 18 after being found unresponsive in the backyard of his Las Vegas home following an apparent prescription-pill overdose.
Thompson was allegedly threatened with the release of a “sexually explicit recording” unless he paid $500,000 before attempting to take his own life.
In a statement shared on Instagram this Saturday, Thompson wrote: “I’m truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and well wishes I’ve received over the past couple of weeks. Every message, text, and kind thought has meant more to me than you know.
“While I haven’t been able to respond to everyone individually, please know that I’ve felt your love and appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being there for me during this time. It truly means the world to me!”
The Instagram post also said Thompson is scheduled to perform on Monday, October 19, at the Luxor Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Carrot Top has spoken publicly for the first time in nearly a month since his suicide attempt, thanking fans for their support and announcing his return to the stage; pictured in 2025
“I’m truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and well wishes I’ve received over the past couple of weeks,” the comedian said; pictured in 2024
Our News Outlet has contacted Thompson’s representative for further comment.
Just over a week after the suicide attempt, reports indicated that Thompson was making steady progress in his recovery after returning home and had been speaking with family and friends.
A source told TMZ that Thompson was “doing well” and feeling considerably better as he rested at his modern home in the desert.
Last month, Thompson, known for his eccentric prop comedy and distinctive red hair, was reportedly found unconscious beside his pool after intentionally taking an overdose of prescription medication.
According to reports, Thompson had texted his manager the word “done” and then stopped responding after learning about an article that accused him of sexual misconduct.
A police report reviewed by TMZ said Thompson’s manager spoke with him by phone on September 18. During the call, the comedian reportedly said his Las Vegas residency would be over because of the damaging article.
After the manager was unable to reach Thompson again, he contacted police. Officers found the comedian shortly before 4:30 p.m., and he was taken to hospital in critical condition.
His next three weeks of performances at the Luxor Hotel’s Atrium Showroom were canceled while he continued his recovery, TMZ reported.
According to TMZ, a 911 caller said Thompson was “barely conscious” when he was discovered at his residence.
Thompson had allegedly texted his manager the word “done” before stopping communication after learning of a report accusing him of sexual misconduct; pictured in 2016
A representative for the performer later told the publication that Thompson was “awake” and “breathing on his own.”
In July, Radar Online reported that Thompson was facing a lawsuit from former friend and singer Brian Evans, who accused him of sending an unsolicited sexually explicit video.
Then in September, a second accuser came forward to back Evans’ claims and share his own story, according to the outlet.
Thompson’s lawyer confirmed his suicide attempt in a court filing on September 20, and asked for ‘immediate protective relief’ to stop Evans from ‘exposing [Thompson] to ill repute, false allegations, and salacious materials,’ per Page Six.
The legal professional claimed Evans had been carrying out an extortion scheme over the aforementioned footage, threatening to release it if he wasn’t granted $500,000.
‘Evans demands immediate payment of significant sums and states that, absent immediate payment, a sexually explicit recording of Thompson will be filed in the public court file so that it may be obtained and disseminated by the press and other parties,’ the attorney wrote, according to Page Six.
Evans denied the accusations, telling the outlet he ‘never threatened – ever – to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement.’
He also insisted the video was deleted ‘a long time ago.’
The stand-up comedian, who is famous for his zany prop comedy and shock red hair, became popular in the 1990s. Above, Thompson in 1994
Regarding Thompson’s suicide attempt, Evans said that he was ‘sorry that Scott apparently did something to hurt himself.’
‘I do not consider Scott to be a bad person… based on what I know – but he made a few decisions that were not good ones. That is not a reason to hurt himself,’ the music artist said before adding that he cannot be blamed for it.
Evans said, ‘Finally, it’s not my fault… that Scott did what he did. We don’t even actually know what he did. He survived and I am glad about that.
‘Scott is still young and has a big life ahead of him. It’s not my intent to bring this guy down. It’s the opposite.
‘I never threatened – ever – to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement… The video they are discussing – as I made very clear – was deleted a long time ago in accordance with the prior settlement,’ Evans added.
Thompson’s rep Jami Schlicher told Our News Outlet: ‘A federal court recently declared Mr. Evans a “vexatious litigant” and described his filings as “serial” and “spurious.”‘
