Carrot Top has thanked fans for their support in the wake of his reported suicide attempt.
The 61-year-old comedian - whose real name is Scott Thompson - was taken to hospital following an incident in the Las Vegas area on 18 September before being discharged eight days later, and ahead of his return to the stage at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on 19 October, he has expressed his gratitude for the well wishes he has received.
He wrote on Instagram: “I’m truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and well wishes I’ve received over the past couple of weeks.
“Every message, text, and kind thought has meant more to me than you know.
“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!”
Carrot Top's representative had previously told of the role humour had played in his recovery.
His spokesperson said three days after his hospitalisation: "Scott remains hospitalised and under close medical care. He is now awake, breathing on his own and continuing to improve, surrounded by his family and those closest to him.
"Humour 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 humour with the medical staff caring for him.
“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. Scott and his family remain deeply grateful for the extraordinary kindness and continue to ask that his privacy be respected."
It was previously alleged Carrot Top was being extorted over a sex tape before his reported suicide attempt.
Earlier this month, his attorney filed legal documents alleging musician Brian Evans - a previous opening performer at the comic's long-running show in Las Vegas - had threatened to leak an X-rated video if he wasn't paid.
In documents obtained by Page Six, lawyer Ronnie Bitman wrote: “Evans demands immediate payment of significant sums and states that, absent immediate payment, a sexually explicit recording of Thompson will be filed in the public court file so that it may be obtained and disseminated by the press and other parties."
The court filing was accompanied by an email from Brian to the lawyer, in which he asked for $500,000 “in immediately available funds, in exchange for resolution of all claims against" Carrot Top or else he would release the video.
He wrote: “It is not a threat. I am not offering to create coverage, stop coverage, or trade silence for money. I cannot control what outlets write after a public motion is filed. The only thing that stops coverage is if we both stop filing anything.
"I am telling you … that I would rather resolve the claims against your client than continue this motion practice."
The email closed with the warning that if he didn't receive the payment, “it is not an offer your client will ever see again — not even remotely close."
Brian insisted the email was "intended to be confidential" and stressed he “never threatened — ever — to post any video anywhere in exchange for a settlement."
He also claimed the footage had been "deleted a long time ago" in accordance with a previous settlement.
He added: “I am sorry that Scott apparently did something to hurt himself. He’s a great talent but these are issues he needs to deal with and move past.”