Carrot Top Hospitalized After Prescription Overdose Amid Alleged Extortion Plot

Comedian Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, was hospitalized Friday after overdosing on prescription medication, a suspected suicide attempt that occurred at his Las Vegas home. His representative confirmed he is now awake, breathing on his own, and continuing to improve, surrounded by family.

Sources linked to an investigation told TMZ that Thompson, 61, ingested the medication at his home. First responders arrived at his residence around 4:20 p.m. Friday following a report that the performer was "not alert." A private ambulance transported him to a medical facility.

Prior to the incident, Thompson's lawyer claimed that singer Brian Evans had demanded $500,000 from the comedian, threatening to leak a sexually explicit recording if the payment was not made. Evans has denied these allegations, stating to TMZ that he never threatened to post any video and that the recording in question had been deleted long ago in accordance with a prior settlement.

According to a filing obtained by the Daily Mail, Thompson's lawyer alleged that Evans threatened to send the explicit content on a USB drive to a court's legal docket if the $500,000 was not paid. Evans, representing himself, stated in an email to Thompson's lawyer that the $500,000 was needed for "resolution of all claims against Scott Thompson." He further claimed that he does not control the public docket or the press and that any reporting would be unforeseeable. Evans also expressed sorrow that Thompson "apparently did something to hurt himself" but maintained, "it’s not my fault… that Scott did what he did."

Thompson's legal team, however, described the case as a "malicious threat" intended to disgrace the star and extort money. A representative for Thompson, Jami Schlicher, noted that a federal court had previously declared Evans a "vexatious litigant," citing his filings as "serial" and "spurious," and that a court had stated one of his cases appeared designed to harass defendants.

Thompson, known for his prop-based comedy, rose to prominence in the 1990s. He was scheduled to perform a show at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Friday, the same day as his hospitalization. His last social media post, shared Thursday, promoted this scheduled appearance.

In a 2022 interview with Metal Life Magazine, Thompson described himself as sober, stating he does not smoke marijuana and has not been drunk since high school, though he admitted to having a Crown on the rocks before a show and a glass of red wine afterward. He characterized himself as more of a "nerd" than a "drug guy."

Following news of his hospitalization, fans and fellow celebrities, including actor Brad Garrett, shared well wishes on social media. Garrett posted a photo with Thompson and Ray Romano, writing that he and others are "thanking our lucky stars that you're ok" and emphasizing Thompson's appreciation and the support he has from many.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. An online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.