Comedian Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, has been rushed to hospital following an emergency, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled performances at the Luxor in Las Vegas. The 61-year-old had been due to take the stage on Friday night, but the show was cancelled as a result of his hospitalisation.
Representative Confirms Recovery
In a statement released to TMZ, Thompson's representative, Jami Schlicher, confirmed that the comedian is 'recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs.' Schlicher added: 'His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy.'
Sources informed the publication that the comedian was hospitalised following a suicide attempt. Thompson's residency at the Luxor, which began in 2005, is among the longest-running in Las Vegas history.
MGM Resorts Responds
MGM Resorts International, which operates the Luxor, issued a statement following the hospitalisation. The company said: 'Scott is a beloved member of the Luxor and MGM Resorts family, and we are relieved to hear that he is recovering. We are thinking of him and wish him strength as he receives the care and support he needs.'
A spokesperson for MGM Resorts told 8 News that while both Friday and Saturday night's shows were cancelled, they were unable to provide further information at this stage. Despite the cancellations, the Luxor's website still lists performances by Thompson scheduled through to next year.
Fans Show Support
On Instagram, fans have been leaving messages of support for the stand-up comedian, whose stage name derives from a nickname given to him by a swimming coach. Comments on his latest post, shared a day ago, include: 'Scott we love you dude. Praying for you. ❤️' from user misterweeks, and 'I am 40, I have known of you since I was a kid. As long as I have been alive, there has been carrot top. You are loved,' from Chelsey. Another fan, Koyote, wrote: 'Praying for you, you beautiful human being. There's no one like you. You are one of a kind.'
Metro has contacted Thompson's representatives for further comment. For those in need of support, the Samaritans 24-hour helpline is available at 116 123, and PAPYRUS offers specialised suicide prevention support for young people via HOPELINE247 at 0800 068 4141.
