Carrot Top has spoken publicly nearly one month after his suicide attempt, thanking fans for their support and announcing that he is returning to the stage. The 61-year-old comedian, whose real name is Scott Thompson, shared the update Saturday on Instagram.

Thompson was hospitalized on September 18 after he was found unresponsive in the backyard of his Las Vegas home following an apparent prescription pill overdose. He had reportedly been lying unconscious near his pool.

Addressing the response he received, 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.”

He continued: “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!”

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The post also announced that Thompson is scheduled to perform Monday, October 19, at the Luxor Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The Daily Mail contacted his representative for further comment.

 

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A little more than a week after the suicide attempt, TMZ reported that Thompson was making good progress after returning home. A source told the outlet that he was doing well, feeling much better and speaking with loved ones while resting at his modern desert residence.

Thompson, known for his prop comedy and bright red hair, had allegedly texted his manager the word “done” before he stopped responding. The message reportedly came after Thompson learned about a report accusing him of sexual misconduct.

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According to a police report reviewed by TMZ, Thompson’s manager told officers that he had spoken with the comedian by phone on September 18. During the conversation, Thompson reportedly lamented that his Las Vegas residency would be over following the article.

After the manager could no longer reach Thompson, he called police. Officers discovered the performer shortly before 4:30pm, and Thompson was subsequently taken to a hospital in critical condition.

A 911 caller said Thompson was “barely conscious” when he was discovered at home, according to TMZ. A representative for the performer later confirmed to the publication that Thompson was “awake” and “breathing on his own.”

TMZ also reported that the next three weeks of Thompson’s shows at the Luxor Hotel’s Atrium Showroom had been canceled while he continued recovering. His newly announced October 19 appearance marks his planned return to that Las Vegas venue.

In July, Radar Online reported that Thompson was being sued by his former friend, singer Brian Evans, who accused him of sending an unprompted sexually explicit video. A second accuser came forward in September to support Evans’ claims and share his own account, according to the outlet.

Thompson’s lawyer confirmed the suicide attempt in a September 20 court filing and requested “immediate protective relief,” Page Six reported. The attorney sought to stop Evans from “exposing [Thompson] to ill repute, false allegations, and salacious materials.”

The lawyer claimed Evans had been conducting an extortion scheme involving the footage and threatening to release it unless he received $500,000. The filing said: “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.”

Evans denied the allegations and said he “never threatened – ever – to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement.” He also maintained that the video had been deleted “a long time ago.”

Discussing Thompson’s suicide attempt, Evans said he was “sorry that Scott apparently did something to hurt himself.” He added: “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.”

Thompson’s representative, Jami Schlicher, told the Daily Mail: “A federal court recently declared Mr. Evans a ‘vexatious litigant’ and described his filings as ‘serial’ and ‘spurious.’” Thompson’s own message, meanwhile, focused on gratitude for the support he received and his scheduled return to performing.

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