Letterman, Crew Steel for Fallout

Stephanie Birkitt was still seeing Letterman until last fall, sources say

(NEWSER) - The story of David Letterman’s twisted love triangle with alleged extortionist Robert Halderman continues to unfold. Former Late Show staffer Stephanie Birkitt was still sleeping with Letterman even after moving in with Halderman—and as late as last fall Birkitt and Letterman went hiking together, sources tell the New York Post. Birkitt—whom Letterman offered a job as his personal lawyer last year—told Halderman she was simply Letterman’s “best friend.” More»

Plus: Late Show host did not violate company guidelines with affairs

(NEWSER) - Nope, the David Letterman extortion story didn’t lose momentum over the weekend. From fans to fellow talk show hosts, everyone’s still talking:

• “If we are now holding late-night talk-show hosts to the same moral accountability as we hold politicians or clergymen, I'm out,” said Letterman follow-up—and underling—Craig Ferguson on last night’s Late Late Show, calling his boss “the king of late-night television.”

Host said to keep three to five young women on staff at all times

(NEWSER) - David Letterman can be a great boss for certain special employees. In the case of Stephanie Birkitt, who once dated alleged blackmailer Robert Halderman, Letterman paid her way through college, Gawker reports, citing “the scuttlebutt on the set.” Birkitt was Letterman’s top assistant—the host employed at least three at all times, all of the young and attractive persuasion—and frequently appeared on air. More»

Scandal-tainted David Letterman rules in ratings and with devotees

(NEWSER) - David Letterman’s fans—at least the handful surveyed by the Daily News—agree: All is forgiven. In fact, his extortionist is the one who should be ashamed of himself. “We love Letterman no matter what he does. He brings us joy,” said a would-be audience member outside the Ed Sullivan Theater. Another sums up the sentiment with a shrug and a smile: "Everybody's doing it." More»

Late Show host calls infidelity 'stupid behavior'

(NEWSER) - David Letterman is dead set on repairing his marriage after the infidelity that led to an extortion attempt last year, People reports. Appearing on Live! With Regis and Kelly, Letterman likened the events of last year to "an explosion," saying, "You're looking at the shards and you say, 'Well, can we put this back together?' And by God, maybe you can put it back together. And maybe it won't be the same, but maybe it will be different, and maybe it can even be better in a different way." More»