Howard Stern told [1] listeners of his Sirius satellite radio show on Monday that he wouldn’t be divulging details about the condition of his sidekick Artie Lange, who was hospitalized over the weekend.

But on Thursday, Stern reluctantly confirmed a New York Post report [2] that the troubled comedian had attempted suicide.

Lange stabbed himself nine times, according to the report. His mother found him bloodied in his Hoboken, New Jersey apartment and called 911.

Lange has been absent from the show since early December, and recently canceled several stand-up gigs -- including one on New Year's Eve.

In October, Lange missed more than a week of work after having what he described as a “mini-nervous breakdown” and near-relapse into drug addiction [3].

While Stern wouldn't talk about his condition -- respecting the comedian's wishes to keep the matter private -- he told listeners Monday: "Artie has given this show tremendous moments of great comedy … He's a tremendous contributor. He is a good man. Don't forget how great he is."

More to read:

Howard Stern Won't Give Updates on Artie Lange [4]