Letterman: Wife Didn't Boot Me

Birkitt penned series of 'Dear Dave' letters, plus more on extortion

(NEWSER) - It’s only a matter of time before Stephanie Birkitt’s “trashy” love letters to David Letterman become public. Sadly, “we’re not talking crazy sexual escapades,” a source tells the New York Daily News. “It’s her musings about them. It’s trash.” More on the Letterman fiasco:

• Sure, the situation is unpleasant, but CBS must be happy at the ratings bump Letterman’s late-night confessionals are causing. Monday’s show saw a 36% increase in viewers over the week prior, Reuters reports.

Late Show host still glad he pushed back against alleged extortionist

(NEWSER) - David Letterman wasn’t planning to talk anymore about his extortion scandal, “but it seems like people want to talk about it,” he said on last night’s Late Show. After apologizing to the staff for subjecting them to “hounding” from reporters, he made it clear that, “No, I’m not having sex with these women. Those episodes are in the past.” He then moved on to his wife, who “has been horribly hurt by my behavior.” More»

Lawyer says he just wanted to sell Letterman a screenplay

(NEWSER) - Accused blackmailer Robert Halderman went to court today, and his lawyer is asking for the extortion case against him to be dismissed. In court papers, Halderman’s attorney writes, "The sensationalism surrounding this indictment, fueled by the celebrity of the purported victim and the deference paid to that celebrity by the District Attorney's Office, has swallowed the only pertinent issue"—namely, whether there's enough evidence to support the case. More»

With $100K raised for defense, Halderman plea deal looks unlikely

(NEWSER) - The man accused of trying to blackmail David Letterman has raised $100,000 for his defense fund ahead of tomorrow’s first hearing in the case, and some experts think Robert “Joe” Halderman won’t accept a plea bargain despite his reported money woes. “This lawyer is a real litigator,” a Halderman friend tells the New York Observer of Gerald Shargel, “and Joe is paying the full boat to go to trial.” More»

That and Leno's exit make erstwhile underdog late night winner

(NEWSER) - David Letterman’s scandalous admission of intraoffice sex and his role in a blackmail scheme appear to have titillated audiences. CBS’ Late Show is up 13% in total viewership for the season over last year. Sure, Dave is off 8% in the adults 18-to-49 demographic, but that’s nothing compared to the Tonight Show’s plunge. Since Conan O’Brien took over, the chatfest's ratings have fallen 15% in the demo and 47% overall. More»