Carrot Top is recovering in hospital after being taken in following an alleged suicide attempt, an incident that has already forced the cancellation of three consecutive shows at Las Vegas's Luxor Hotel and Casino.
Scott Thompson, 61, was admitted on Friday, 18 September, and his Friday, Saturday and Monday performances were called off as he remained under care.
The story has also taken on an added dimension after Thompson's lawyers alleged in a court filing that he had been the target of an extortion attempt in the weeks before the incident, a claim the accused party has firmly denied.
His representative has confirmed only that Thompson is recovering, without addressing the cause of his hospitalisation or any link to the separate legal dispute.
Carrot Top's Vegas Shows Cancelled
Thompson had been due on stage at the Luxor's showroom on Friday evening when he was taken to hospital following the alleged suicide attempt, according to TMZ, the outlet that first reported the story.
That performance was pulled at short notice, and organisers at the MGM Resorts‑owned venue subsequently cancelled his Saturday and Monday night shows as he remained under treatment.
Thompson has maintained a residency at the Luxor since 2005, one of the longest‑running bookings currently on the Strip. His next scheduled performance is listed for Wednesday, though it remains unclear whether it will go ahead as his recovery continues.
Representative Confirms Comedian Is 'Recovering'
Carrot Top's representative, Jami Schlicher, addressed the hospitalisation directly in a statement. 'Mr Thompson is recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs,' Schlicher said.
The statement asked for the family's wishes to be respected as concern spread among fans and industry peers. 'His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy,' Schlicher added.
Extortion Allegation Contested By Accused Party
Separately, Thompson's attorney alleged in a court filing dated 3 September that singer Brian Evans had demanded $500,000 (about £373,000) and threatened to place a sexually explicit recording into the public court docket unless the sum was paid. The filing described the communication as a 'malicious threat' intended to expose Thompson to public disgrace.
Evans has firmly denied that characterisation, saying, 'I never threatened, ever, to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement,' and adding that the recording had already been deleted under a prior settlement.
He also rejected any suggestion he bore responsibility for Thompson's hospitalisation, saying, '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'.
The dispute remains a civil legal matter, and no criminal charges have been reported in connection with it. No verified evidence has linked the extortion allegation directly to Thompson's hospitalisation.
Fellow Entertainers Offer Public Support
'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Brad Garrett was among the first to respond publicly, posting a photo with Thompson and Ray Romano on Instagram and writing, 'Oh my beautiful, talented friend. We're ALL thanking our lucky stars that you're OK'.
Fellow performer Debbie Gibson added her own message on Instagram, revealing she had messaged Thompson two days before the incident and writing, 'Sometimes it's the ones who make us laugh the hardest who are hurting the most'.
What Happens Next for Thompson and His Residency
For ticket‑holders, three performances have now been lost, with Thompson's Wednesday show uncertain as he continues treatment. The Luxor has not said whether further dates will be affected, and Thompson's team has reiterated its request for privacy while he recovers.
Anyone in the UK or Ireland affected by the issues raised in this article can contact the Samaritans free of charge on 116 123, at any time, from any phone. In the US, people experiencing a mental‑health or suicide crisis can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
