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Letterman, Crew Steel for Fallout

Scandal may hurt talk show king with female audience

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2009 3:41 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Staffers of the David Letterman show were girding for fallout today before the first two tapings of the program since the talk show king's shocking revelation that he was being blackmailed over sex with female assistants. "We've seen a lot before with Dave," a source told the Daily News. But "this feels like we're in legal territory. It's going to be a strange day."

The identities of two of Letterman's lovers have surfaced, as has the existence of a trysting pad "bunker" at the studio only accessible to Dave and his favorite female employees. Letterman's alleged blackmailer has been busted, but the fallout for the talk show host remains unclear. Some observers believe the scandal will alienate his female audience. "Women are saying, How could you have multiple affairs with members of your own staff and how does that create a fair and equal working environment?'" said NBC News anchor Ann Curry.

David Letterman spills nearly all to his audience last week.
David Letterman spills nearly all to his audience last week.   (AP Photo/CBS)
Robert J. Halderman appears in State Supreme Court in New York Friday on a grand larceny charge in the suspected blackmailing of David Letterman.
Robert J. Halderman appears in State Supreme Court in New York Friday on a grand larceny charge in the suspected blackmailing of David Letterman.
David Letterman tells his audience last week about sex with female staffers.
David Letterman tells his audience last week about sex with female staffers.   (AP Photo/CBS)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 15 comments
Fondue
Oct 5, 2009 12:38 PM CDT
Carson had 4 wives. You can bet he was a womanizer to some degree considering the era. He also cheated on his first wife. I would imagine he cheated on Copeland with Holland considering the divorce was in '72, then married Holland the same year. But hey, this is all speculation and none of my business.
0001tr
Oct 5, 2009 12:21 PM CDT
Bill Clinton will be presenting the "Presidental over and under desk" award to Dave during the next "O'scar's....Congratulations !!!!!!
NxBigmouthery
Oct 5, 2009 11:54 AM CDT
I'm struggling to understand Ms Curry's reasoning. Yes, I understand that sex in the workplace may be construed as inappropriate, but on the basis of gender equality & equity. It sounds less like she's talking about abstaining from workplace sex and more that he should also have had sex with male employees. When all is said and done, Letterman has done nothing illegal. The only person he has to answer to is his wife and we do not know the terms or circumstances of their relationship. They may accept sexual sharing as de rigeur, which is quite enlightened really.

 
sex • blackmail • extortion • affair • talk show • David Letterman • workplace sex

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