What To Know
- Brad Garrett and other comedians publicly expressed support for Carrot Top (Scott Thompson) following his recent hospitalization after a reported suicide attempt.
- Amid the outpouring of support, allegations of sexual exploitation and misconduct against Thompson have resurfaced, including lawsuits and declarations from multiple individuals.
- Thompson is currently recovering in the hospital, with his representatives requesting privacy as he receives care and support from loved ones.
Warning: The following post contains discussions of suicide and sexual exploitation allegations.
Brad Garrett is wishing the best for his friend Scott Thompson, a.k.a. Carrot Top, following Thompson’s hospitalization and a report that he had attempted suicide.
“Oh my beautiful, talented friend @carrottoplive,” Garrett wrote on Instagram on Saturday, September 19, as he shared a photo of the two of them alongside Garrett’s Everybody Loves Raymond costar Ray Romano. “We’re ALL thanking our lucky stars that you’re ok. Please take this time to remember how appreciated and loved you are by so many. (Except Ray. It’s a long story, just trust me.) We’re here for you. We need you okay. YOU need you okay. Whatever it takes we’re here for you. You’re getting a second chance for a reason. Use it wisely. We need folks like you around. Show yourself grace. We Love you.”
Other comedians chimed in with loving Instagram comments. Margaret Cho and Murray SawChuck each commented three heart emojis. And Dave Foley wrote, “The world can’t afford to lose any of its Scott Thompsons. Be well.”
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Amid the supportive comments on Garrett’s post, at least one commenter told Garrett about the current allegations against Thompson.
In August, singer Brian Evans, a former opener at Thompson’s Las Vegas show, filed a lawsuit against Thompson in Broward County, Florida, alleging Thompson sent him an unsolicited video of Thompson engaging in oral sex, Orlando Weekly reported. And earlier this month, a Florida man named Zachary Defazio filed a declaration in support of Evans’ lawsuit, accusing him of sexually exploiting him and supplying him with alcohol while he was underage, according to the newspaper. Defazio has also accused the comedian of engaging in nonconsensual sexual conduct with him while Defazio was too drunk to consent, Orlando Weekly added.
On Friday, TMZ reported Thompson had been hospitalized after a suicide attempt that day in Las Vegas. “Mr. Thompson is recovering in the hospital and is receiving the care and support he needs,” a representative told the site. “His family and those closest to him are deeply grateful for the concern, prayers and respectfully ask for privacy.”
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by texting or dialing 988. If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault, contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.