Carrot Top was reportedly facing $500,000 extortion demand over explicit recording before his 'suicide attempt'

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026 · last updated 20 September 2026.

Carrot Top's lawyer alleges that singer Brian Evans threatened to file a sexually explicit recording involving the comedian onto a public court docket unless he received $500,000 in an immediate cash payment — a demand made in the weeks before the 61-year-old was hospitalised following a reported suicide attempt in Las Vegas on Friday. Evans sent an email to Thompson's lawyer claiming the threat was "not a threat" and that he did "not control the public docket." Thompson was rushed to hospital hours before a scheduled show at the Luxor, where he has held a residency since 2005, and both his Friday and Saturday night performances were cancelled.

Police were seen outside Thompson's Las Vegas home on Saturday as he remained in hospital, with his rep saying he is 'receiving the care and support he needs.'

Fellow comedian Brad Garrett posted a photo with Thompson on Instagram, writing: 'We're all thanking our lucky stars that you're OK — we need you OK.'

Thompson also faced a separate declaration filed days earlier by a 25-year-old man alleging sexual exploitation, supporting an existing lawsuit brought by Evans against the comedian.