Comedian Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, attempted suicide while facing a civil lawsuit involving allegations of sexual misconduct and exploitation. The allegations have not been proven, while Thompson’s lawyers say the case and related filings are an extortion attempt designed to pressure him into paying money.

The lawsuit was filed by singer Brian Evans, who alleges Thompson sent him an unsolicited sexually explicit video and caused emotional distress. A separate statement from Zachary Defazio alleges that Thompson met him through Grindr when Defazio was 19, supplied him with alcohol and engaged in non-consensual sexual acts. Thompson’s lawyers cite demands of $500,000 and $2 million, and describe Evans as a vexatious litigant; Evans denies blackmail and calls the demands settlement proposals. Thompson was hospitalised on 18 September and is reportedly recovering.