Carrot Top has broken his silence nearly a month after reports that he attempted suicide.
In an emotional Instagram post shared Saturday, Oct. 17, the entertainer thanked fans for the wave of support he received in the weeks since the incident.
"I’m truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and well wishes I’ve received over the past couple of weeks," Carrot Top wrote. "Every message, text, and kind thought has meant more to me than you know."
He added: "While I haven’t been able to respond to everyone individually, please know that I’ve felt your love and appreciate each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being there for me during this time. It truly means the world to me!"
The comedian concluded
his note announcing his return to the stage at Luxor Hotel and Casino on Oct. 19.
It’s the first time the comedian, 61, has spoken publicly since he was hospitalized in Las Vegas after TMZ reported that he attempted to take his life on Sept. 18.
His representative, Jami Schlicher, told USA TODAY Sept. 21 that her client was "hospitalized and under close medical care" but "breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him.”
Schlicher did not comment on why Carrot Top was hospitalized.
Who is Carrot Top?
Carrot Top grew to fame in the 1990s and is best known for his curly red hair, satirical comedy and use of props. He has appeared as himself in "Reno 911!," "CSI," "Family Guy," "Scrubs," "Comedy Central Roast," "Robot Chicken" and, most recently, "Hacks."
Is Carrot Top still hospitalized?
The entertainer, whose real name is Scott Thompson, was released from the Las Vegas hospital where he was receiving care on Sept. 26. Schlicher confirmed to USA TODAY that he's at home with family and doing well.
"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 told USA TODAY during his hospitalization. "Many messages from fans have been shared with Scott, including stories from people about how his comedy helped them through difficult periods in their own lives. Hearing those stories and feeling that support has meant a great deal to him during his recovery."
Carrot Top was involved in legal dispute before hospitalization
Carrot Top was originally scheduled to perform Sept. 18-20 as part of his long-running Vegas residency at Luxor Hotel and Casino, which he’s headlined since 2005. Those shows were canceled.
His hospitalization came amid a legal dispute with former friend and opening act Brian Evans, which his attorney, Ronnie Bitman, said contributed to his client’s mental health decline, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.
In an emergency court filing, Bitman accused Evans of using threats to disclose private material to demand money and asked a Florida court to restrict Evans' future filings. Evans has denied the extortion allegations.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time, day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, Anthony Robledo, Liza Esquibias, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carrot Top breaks silence after suicide attempt – 'I'm truly overwhelmed'
