Comedian Scott Christopher Thompson is conscious and recovering from an apparent suicide attempt that hospitalized the 61-year-old performer known professionally as Carrot Top.
Thompson’s publicist Jami Schlicher said the funnyman is “now awake, breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him” in a statement sent to the Daily News on Monday.
He appears to be in good spirits.
“Humor has always been such an important part of who Scott is and how he connects with people, and that remains true today as he shares moments of humor with the medical staff caring for him,” Schlicher added.
Her statement thanked fans for their concern and asked for privacy while Thompson is on the mend.
His improving condition comes amid reports of turmoil in the red-headed jokester’s personal life.
TMZ, which reported Thompson attempted to end his own life Friday, first reported on Saturday that singer Brian Evans recently attempted to blackmail the comic with a sexually explicit recording. Thompson’s legal team said Evans asked for $500,000 to settle that matter.
Evans denies the blackmail charge.
The musician, however, wants to void a nondisclosure agreement he signed after the energetic prop-comic allegedly made inappropriate communications with him when he briefly worked as Thompson’s opening act, according to legal documents cited by Radar Online.
The comic has been charged with no criminal activity.
Thompson has appeared in films including “Dennis the Menace Strikes Again” and “Chairman of the Board.” He’s headlined at the Luxor Hotel and Casino since 2005, according to Sin City outlet KLAS.
Comedians including Jeff Ross asked fans to support Thompson while he recovers. Singer Debbie Gibson answered that call on Instagram calling him “a friend and treasure.”
