Carrot Top's Lawyer Claims $500,000 Extortion Attempt Preceded Comedian's Hospitalization

Comedian Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, was reportedly asked to pay $500,000 by singer Brian Evans or risk the leak of a "sexually explicit recording" shortly before the star's hospitalization for a suicide attempt, according to Thompson's lawyer.

Thompson, 61, was hospitalized on Friday after attempting to take his own life hours before a scheduled performance in Las Vegas. Police were later seen at his residence.

According to a filing obtained by the Daily Mail, Thompson's lawyer claimed that Evans had threatened to release a USB drive containing sexually explicit content involving Thompson to a court's legal docket if the comedian did not pay half a million dollars. In an email, Evans stated that he did not control the public docket or the press, and that the payment was for "resolution of all claims against Scott Thompson."

Thompson's legal team has described the case as a "malicious threat" intended to "expose" the star, stating in response, "This is not settlement communication. On its face it is a malicious threat to expose Thompson to disgrace, and to expose a secret affecting him, with intent thereby to extort money under the guise of litigation conduct."

A representative for Thompson, Jami Schlicher, told the Daily Mail that a federal court had previously declared Evans a "vexatious litigant" and described his filings as "serial" and "spurious." The representative added that the court had stated one of his cases "appears this entire case is designed to harass Defendants."

"The court's findings and Mr. Evans's litigation record speak for themselves," Schlicher said.

Schlicher confirmed that Thompson is "currently recovering, surrounded by his family and those closest to him," and requested that his privacy be respected.

Evans, representing himself, denied making any threats to post a video in exchange for a settlement, telling the Daily Mail that the situation is "not the black and white story portrayed."

Thompson, known for his prop-heavy comedy routines, rose to prominence in the 1990s. He was hospitalized on Friday just hours before his scheduled show at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. His performance that night was canceled, and his Saturday show was also called off as he remained hospitalized. Police were seen at his Las Vegas residence on Saturday.

Following Thompson's hospitalization, fellow comedian Brad Garrett shared a tribute on social media, expressing gratitude that Thompson was okay and offering support. "Please take this time to remember how appreciated and loved you are by so many," Garrett wrote on Instagram. "We're here for you. We need you okay. YOU need you okay."

In a 2022 interview, Thompson described himself as sober and not a user of marijuana, stating he rarely drank alcohol. "I'm definitely not the drug guy. I'm actually more of a nerd than anything else," he told Metal Life Magazine.

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