Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers

outcastja · 10-01-09, 10:15 PM

Letterman reveals extortion attempt

In an uncharacteristically personal revelation for David Letterman, the host took to his "Late Show" stage Thursday to admit that he was the victim of an extortion attempt -- and acknowledge that he has had sexual relations with more than one staff member.

According to a press release sent by Letterman's PR reps, the host first received a package three weeks ago from someone who claimed to have information about alleged sexual relations he has had with female employees of the "Late Show."

The individual threatened to go public with the allegations unless Letterman paid him $2 million.

Letterman told his audience on Thursday that he contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's Special Prosecution Bureau. That led to a sting operation, in which Letterman met with the individual and handed the person a fake $2 million check. That person was arrested on Thursday.

"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman said on Thursday's edition of CBS' "Late Show." "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."

As part of the testimony, Letterman admitted that he had engaged in sexual relationships with staff members.

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

A Letterman spokesman would say only that Letterman would have more to say on Thursday night's program.

In a statement, CBS said, "Mr. Letterman's comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves."

This is not the first time Letterman has been the victim of an extortion attempt. Police revealed a plot in 2005 to kidnap Letterman's baby son, Harry, for a $5 million ransom. House painter Kelly Frank was later charged with the crime.

Letterman has been married to Regina Lasko, the mother of his child, since March. The two have dated since 1986.

Revelation came on what should have been a day of celebration for Letterman, as ratings from week one of the new TV season gave the host his first outright latenight victory in four years.

Letterman's revelation may also have an impact on the latenight ratings race as interest in the extortion case perhaps fuels tune-in. It's been an eventful week in the latenight sphere, as "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien was rushed to the hospital last Friday after hitting his head onstage.

whotony · 10-01-09, 10:35 PM

I have to say i'm shocked by this news.

dan30oly · 10-01-09, 10:54 PM

Letterman just made my banned list.

redskull · 10-01-09, 11:10 PM

Don't know if I'd ban him, but I am saddened and disappointed by this news. I always thought Dave was better than that.

Giantrobo · 10-01-09, 11:14 PM

Wow. I am shocked. I'm serious. Wow...Dave Letterman????

Now I wonder if he was fucking that chick who would bring the prizes out. What was her name?

dolphinboy · 10-01-09, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giantrobo

Wow. I am shocked. I'm serious. Wow...Dave Letterman????

Now I wonder if he was fucking that chick who would bring the prizes out. What was her name?

I don't think he ever fucked Stephanie.

Brent L · 10-01-09, 11:22 PM

I'm really disappointed about this also.

Just to put it out there...

That's really sticking it to the idiot trying to extort money from him though. Hey Dave, give me a bunch of money or I'll tell. Hmmm, I guess I'll just tell everyone, not pay you a dime, and have your ass arrested. It doesn't make him any better in all of this since he only came out after being threatened though, I'm certainly not saying that.

In a situation like this, there are no winners, only losers...especially his family.

Then again I guess the network wins for the ratings bump this is likely to deliver.

Patman · 10-01-09, 11:26 PM

The loser is Letterman for not thinking of his family enough to not engage in such activity that would bring shame and embarrassment to his family.

Brent L · 10-01-09, 11:32 PM

From TMZ:

Quote:

UPDATE: 10:30 PM ET: TMZ has learned the identity of the alleged extortionist who was arrested today. His name is Robert Halderman. He's 51 years old and lives in Norwalk, CT. Halderman has a business in Manhattan, where he was arrested today.

David Letterman says someone has demanded $2 million from him in return for not blowing the lid on Letterman's sexual liaisons in his office.

Letterman said on his show tonight he received a package 3 weeks ago from someone claiming to have info about sexual escapades between Letterman and some female employees on his staff.

According to Nikki Finke the individual said Letterman would have to pay $2 million to keep the info secret.

Letterman went on to say he contacted the Special Prosecution Bureau of the Manhattan D.A.'s office. He said the D.A. investigated and cut a phony $2 million check to the alleged extortionist who was arrested today.

Letterman says he testified today before the grand jury. In his testimony, he says he acknowledged sexual relationships with members of his staff.

Letterman married his girlfriend of 23 years last March.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0SkIuf7Js

whotony · 10-01-09, 11:33 PM

Poor Harry for having to deal with this when he's old enough to understand.

Ranger · 10-01-09, 11:35 PM

If he had affairs during his short marriage, then that is lame.

Brent L · 10-01-09, 11:48 PM

It's a little weird knowing what we know, and knowing what he's about to talk about, listening to him cracking sex scandal jokes and bashing other people right now.

DJLinus · 10-01-09, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brent L

It's a little weird knowing what we know, and knowing what he's about to talk about, listening to him cracking sex scandal jokes and bashing other people right now.

Yeah, this is just weird.

Patman · 10-01-09, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brent L

It's a little weird knowing what we know, and knowing what he's about to talk about, listening to him cracking sex scandal jokes and bashing other people right now.

Karma.

dolphinboy · 10-01-09, 11:57 PM

I don't get it, Letterman doesn't need to answer to anyone. How do we know that he didn't tell the ONLY person that deserved to know, his wife, BEFORE he was asked for the money?

Why would David Letterman or Jay Leno or Conan or Regis need to go on air and admit to sleeping with someone on their staff?

I think Dave has 2 million in his wallet, so if he wanted to hide this from the public, he could have paid the money and it would be like most of us losing a quarter.

So he was willing to face the "shame" of having this go public to protect the OTHER people involved who, as far as we know, had consensual sex with the boss.

No one is accusing him of doing this while married, no one is accusing him of doing it in exchange for a better job or more money, and he's not been accused of forcing or even trying to influence the women into doing something they didn't want to do.

Would it be great if all people remained faithful? Yes. But this happens all the time and I don't really feel like I should be judging someone who doesn't use his platform to tell me how I should live my life.

I'm sure he's made worse mistakes in his life than cheating on his significant other (or possibly his wife, if any of this happened after the marriage) and I'll leave it to his family to pass any judgment on him.

Bill Needle · 10-01-09, 11:57 PM

Wonder how many Top Ten lists he's going to do mocking his failures as a father and husband.

Brent L · 10-01-09, 11:57 PM

Is this really the best way to go about announcing this information?

I mean, really?

That's gotta be a Weekend Update "Really!?" segment here.

dolphinboy · 10-02-09, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brent L

It's a little weird knowing what we know, and knowing what he's about to talk about, listening to him cracking sex scandal jokes and bashing other people right now.

How is having sex with someone at work a SCANDAL? Because he's on tv? It would have been a scandal if Letterman had been outed by the press or someone in the public trying to pay someone off.

Giantrobo · 10-02-09, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

If he had affairs during his short marriage, then that is lame.

Could also explain why he took so long to marry....

William Fuld · 10-02-09, 12:05 AM

Sarah Palin tried to warn us but only wm lopez would listen.

rennervision · 10-02-09, 12:27 AM

I'm getting more and more confused as to what warrants applause in this day and age.

dino88 · 10-02-09, 12:40 AM

I don't understand why people are upset or talking about banning him. If that's what constitutes banning someone, you may as well not watch any television show. And while you're at it, stop seeing films until you've done research on everyone involved....oh, and definitely stop listening to music.

RoyalTea · 10-02-09, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dolphinboy

How is having sex with someone at work a SCANDAL? Because he's on tv?

because he's (likely) their boss.

Giantrobo · 10-02-09, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Fuld

Sarah Palin tried to warn us but only wm lopez would listen.

GenPion · 10-02-09, 02:04 AM

I'm saddened by this news, but it is what it is. I don't know what else to say.

10-01-09, 10:15 PM	#1
outcastja DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 1,400	Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Letterman reveals extortion attempt In an uncharacteristically personal revelation for David Letterman, the host took to his "Late Show" stage Thursday to admit that he was the victim of an extortion attempt -- and acknowledge that he has had sexual relations with more than one staff member. According to a press release sent by Letterman's PR reps, the host first received a package three weeks ago from someone who claimed to have information about alleged sexual relations he has had with female employees of the "Late Show." The individual threatened to go public with the allegations unless Letterman paid him $2 million. Letterman told his audience on Thursday that he contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's Special Prosecution Bureau. That led to a sting operation, in which Letterman met with the individual and handed the person a fake $2 million check. That person was arrested on Thursday. "This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman said on Thursday's edition of CBS' "Late Show." "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury." As part of the testimony, Letterman admitted that he had engaged in sexual relationships with staff members. "My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would," Letterman said. "I feel like I need to protect these people -- I need to certainly protect my family." A Letterman spokesman would say only that Letterman would have more to say on Thursday night's program. In a statement, CBS said, "Mr. Letterman's comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves." This is not the first time Letterman has been the victim of an extortion attempt. Police revealed a plot in 2005 to kidnap Letterman's baby son, Harry, for a $5 million ransom. House painter Kelly Frank was later charged with the crime. Letterman has been married to Regina Lasko, the mother of his child, since March. The two have dated since 1986. Revelation came on what should have been a day of celebration for Letterman, as ratings from week one of the new TV season gave the host his first outright latenight victory in four years. Letterman's revelation may also have an impact on the latenight ratings race as interest in the extortion case perhaps fuels tune-in. It's been an eventful week in the latenight sphere, as "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien was rushed to the hospital last Friday after hitting his head onstage. __________________ "You think it's healthy to obsessively collect things? You can't relate to other people, so you fill your life with stuff...I'm just like all these other collector losers." - Ghost World Ticking away the moments... I Heart Morgan Webb

10-01-09, 10:35 PM	#2
whotony DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: earth ..."that's were i keep all my stuff" Posts: 6,782	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers I have to say i'm shocked by this news. __________________ "When he hits that ball in the middle of the bat there on that sweet spot, there 's no park in the league that can hold his balls in." Gary Matthews "What's going to happen is that you jerk off the ball. You almost want to let this guy, here jam you and if it comes comes, it comes comes." http://www.prestonandsteve.com/audio/1342.mp3 My Countdown Counting down to: 9 years hard to believe.

10-01-09, 10:54 PM	#3
dan30oly DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,336	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Letterman just made my banned list. __________________ BlueRae-DVD own: 177 (+ 68 on order) Former HD-DVD supporter own: 155 HD-DVD R.I.P. 1/4/08

10-01-09, 11:10 PM	#4
redskull Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 409	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Don't know if I'd ban him, but I am saddened and disappointed by this news. I always thought Dave was better than that. __________________ RedSkull

10-01-09, 11:14 PM	#5
Giantrobo DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: TORRANCE, CA Posts: 41,422	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Wow. I am shocked. I'm serious. Wow...Dave Letterman???? Now I wonder if he was fucking that chick who would bring the prizes out. What was her name? __________________ XBOX Gamertag: Giantrobo On my 3rd 360 as of 9/27/2007

10-01-09, 11:22 PM	#7
Brent L DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 11,104	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers I'm really disappointed about this also. Just to put it out there... That's really sticking it to the idiot trying to extort money from him though. Hey Dave, give me a bunch of money or I'll tell. Hmmm, I guess I'll just tell everyone, not pay you a dime, and have your ass arrested. It doesn't make him any better in all of this since he only came out after being threatened though, I'm certainly not saying that. In a situation like this, there are no winners, only losers...especially his family. Then again I guess the network wins for the ratings bump this is likely to deliver. __________________ "Would I rather be feared or loved? Ummm, easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me."

10-01-09, 11:26 PM	#8
Patman DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: Duluth, GA, USA Posts: 34,383	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers The loser is Letterman for not thinking of his family enough to not engage in such activity that would bring shame and embarrassment to his family. __________________ PatCave; HT; DVDs; Dragon*Con 2009 According to DGibFen, I'm a "freaking genius." "Jee-sus, it's like Iwo Jima out there." - Roger Sterling

10-01-09, 11:33 PM	#10
whotony DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: earth ..."that's were i keep all my stuff" Posts: 6,782	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Poor Harry for having to deal with this when he's old enough to understand. __________________ "When he hits that ball in the middle of the bat there on that sweet spot, there 's no park in the league that can hold his balls in." Gary Matthews "What's going to happen is that you jerk off the ball. You almost want to let this guy, here jam you and if it comes comes, it comes comes." http://www.prestonandsteve.com/audio/1342.mp3 My Countdown Counting down to: 9 years hard to believe.

10-01-09, 11:35 PM	#11
Ranger DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 15,848	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers If he had affairs during his short marriage, then that is lame.

10-01-09, 11:48 PM	#12
Brent L DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 11,104	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers It's a little weird knowing what we know, and knowing what he's about to talk about, listening to him cracking sex scandal jokes and bashing other people right now. __________________ "Would I rather be feared or loved? Ummm, easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me."

10-01-09, 11:57 PM	#15
dolphinboy DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: AZ Posts: 4,722	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers I don't get it, Letterman doesn't need to answer to anyone. How do we know that he didn't tell the ONLY person that deserved to know, his wife, BEFORE he was asked for the money? Why would David Letterman or Jay Leno or Conan or Regis need to go on air and admit to sleeping with someone on their staff? I think Dave has 2 million in his wallet, so if he wanted to hide this from the public, he could have paid the money and it would be like most of us losing a quarter. So he was willing to face the "shame" of having this go public to protect the OTHER people involved who, as far as we know, had consensual sex with the boss. No one is accusing him of doing this while married, no one is accusing him of doing it in exchange for a better job or more money, and he's not been accused of forcing or even trying to influence the women into doing something they didn't want to do. Would it be great if all people remained faithful? Yes. But this happens all the time and I don't really feel like I should be judging someone who doesn't use his platform to tell me how I should live my life. I'm sure he's made worse mistakes in his life than cheating on his significant other (or possibly his wife, if any of this happened after the marriage) and I'll leave it to his family to pass any judgment on him. __________________ My dvds 5 line max signatures allowed SUSIE!

10-01-09, 11:57 PM	#16
Bill Needle DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Twin Cities, US of A Posts: 3,641	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Wonder how many Top Ten lists he's going to do mocking his failures as a father and husband.

10-02-09, 12:05 AM	#20
William Fuld DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Sep 1999 Posts: 2,675	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers Sarah Palin tried to warn us but only wm lopez would listen.

10-02-09, 12:27 AM	#21
rennervision DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2000 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,777	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers I'm getting more and more confused as to what warrants applause in this day and age. __________________ The cake is a lie.

10-02-09, 12:40 AM	#22
dino88 DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,815	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers I don't understand why people are upset or talking about banning him. If that's what constitutes banning someone, you may as well not watch any television show. And while you're at it, stop seeing films until you've done research on everyone involved....oh, and definitely stop listening to music. __________________ My DVDs

10-02-09, 02:04 AM	#25
GenPion DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Lost Island Posts: 2,791	Re: Letterman Faces Another Extortion Attempt, had Sex with Staffers I'm saddened by this news, but it is what it is. I don't know what else to say. __________________ My DVD/HD DVD/Blu-ray Collection /// The Lowdown: An Entertainment Blog My Setup: Samsung PN50A450 50-Inch Plasma HDTV /// Denon 1909 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver Onkyo SKS-HT540 5.1 Subwoofer/Speakers /// Sony 40 GB Playstation 3 /// HD-DVD Player HD-A30 My Countdown Counting down to: J.J. Abrams Star Trek Premiere I'll be at the theater watching STAR TREK!