Letterman: I Was Target of Extortion

Sex Cbs TV Host Acknowledged Sexual Relationships with Female Employees Said Someone Tried to Extort Him over Affairs.

by Associated Press

Published: Fri, October 02, 2009 - 8:03 am CST Last Updated: Fri, October 02, 2009 - 9:50 am CST

NEW YORK CITY, New York - (AP) David Letterman acknowledged on Thursday's show that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort $2 million from him over the affairs.

During the taping of his CBS late-night show in New York, Letterman discussed receiving a threat to either pay $2 million or risk the relationships being made public.

In a release from the show's producer, Letterman said he referred the matter to the Manhattan district attorney's office and that an investigation ended in an arrest Thursday. Letterman did not identify the person he said was arrested.

CBS News correspondent Kelly Wallace reports that Letterman's alleged blackmailer was Joh Halderman, a 20-year-plus veteran of CBS News.

The "48 Hours" producer was taken into custody Thursday by two plain-clothes police officers outside the CBS News broadcast center in Manhattan.

Halderman is an award-winning journalist who has covered several wars for CBS, reports Wallace. He has worked as a producer for the real-life crime show "48 Hours" for more than a decade.

As part of the investigation, Letterman said he issued a "phony" $2 million check to the individual and the arrest followed - along with testimony by Letterman.

"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," said Letterman. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."

In his testimony, he said he acknowledged sexual relationships with members of his staff.

"My response to that is, yes I have," Letterman said. "Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would. I feel like I need to protect these people. I need to certainly protect my family."

CBS spokesman Chris Ender said Thursday that "Letterman's comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves."

Letterman and longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko married in March. The couple began dating in 1986 and have a son, Harry, born in November 2003.

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rmseek1234 Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 6:30 pm

In my Pollyanna world though, I think I will believe most women aren’t that shallow,and most guys,even if they are rich and powerful aren’t all about the balling. You know,those big extravagant parties???haha

rmseek1234 Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 6:15 pm

LOL! You’re right-I did.

lovepeace Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 6:04 pm

And you SO totally intended all those puns. Infidel!!!!

lovepeace Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 6:02 pm

Because some women are dumb, that’s why. Some people seem to think these girls are victims of some sort of predator, but I suspect they knew exactly what they were doing. It doesn’t even mean that’s the ONLY reason they liked him. But if your life is kind of sad and boring, I’m sure it makes you feel really special to have the attention of a famous guy.

You know what sucks though? The rich and powerful guys often get to have the treasure that really cares about them at home AND the floozies that want their money on the side.

Makes me love my sweet country boy.

rmseek1234 Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 5:28 pm

Yeah,well….I’m still having trouble getting my mind around WHY someone would want to go after someone just because they ARE rich and powerful. Shouldn’t make a difference whether they are rich or a ditch digger.jmo Then again,maybe all rich powerful dudes are players and that’s just the way it works. I would hope not-otherwise they may miss the real treasures,someone who cares about them and not their bank account. Oh well.What would I know? Ignorant little country girl that I am. Oh well, screw it. (again,no pun intended)

lovepeace Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 4:05 pm

Me too, rm. It’s funny to step back and realize that you’re arguing about the mating habits of some old dude. Being the ignorant infidel that I am, I just couldn’t resist.

rmseek1234 Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 2:08 pm

Kind of wish this was one article (and comments) I had ignored…

southfan1981 Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 10:33 am

I don’t know why we care? The stats on married men even women cheating out their spouses is pretty telling. Why does it shock anyone? I can’t imagine what the stats are on barefingered!

Thet do it because they can!

claycitymadness Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 9:28 am

rm its a two way street. look at all the women in our profession who have snagged doctors away from thier wives. takes two to tango. i never have been much for marital infidelity, haven been a victim of it. remember though letterman wasnt crusading on the high moral ground, like many of the politicos have. and i do think his jokes are funny. dont think he is old nor bitter either. he is funny to me.

rmseek1234 Says:

Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 7:35 am

I’m having a hard time seeing David Letterman as “bitter.” Old,yes,pretty much. Creepy if you think about going down on that. I think I may have just thrown up in MY mouth a little. But anyway,different strokes for different folks.(no pun intended).

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