USA: King of Late Night TV David Letterman admits office affairs after extortion attempt

Record ID: 189870

  • Title: USA: King of Late Night TV David Letterman admits office affairs after extortion attempt
  • Date: 3rd October 2009
  • Summary: FILE (2006) (REUTERS) ROBERT JOEL HALDERMAN IN INTERVIEW
  • Embargoed: 18th October 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA2N1F4K5MYCDW3Q8YSL16O1W6L
  • Story Text: A television producer accused of attempting to extort $2 million (USD) from talk show host David Letterman was indicted on charges of attempted grand larceny, the Manhattan prosecutor said on Friday (October 2).
    The popular host of "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS stunned viewers on Thursday (October 1) by admitting he had sex with female subordinates, saying he went to the authorities after receiving a package threatening to reveal the details.
    "Yes, I have. I have had sex with women who work on this show. And would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would," Letterman told his audience.
    Letterman married Regina Lasko, his longtime companion, in March. The couple have a son born in 2003.
    Robert Joel Halderman, a producer for the CBS documentary show "48 Hours," appeared at Letterman's Manhattan home on Sept. 9 to deliver a one-page screenplay outlining the affairs, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau told reporters.
    The suspect also delivered a letter saying the comedian would need to pay "a large chunk of money" or else Halderman would give Letterman the "screenplay treatment" that would lead to a "ruined reputation," Morgenthau said.
    Halderman was due to appear at New York State Supreme Court later on Friday (October 2). He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years if convicted.
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