Friday, October 2, 2009

This Would Never Happen to Leno

From the New York Daily News:

A top CBS News producer was busted Thursday for trying to shake down David Letterman - threatening to expose the late-night funnyman's affairs with several female staffers in a movie and book.
The "Late Show" host revealed the stunning plot on last night's show in an extraordinary confession to viewers - and admitted he had indeed slept with several women who work at the show.
"I'm glad you folks are here tonight, and I'm glad you folks are in such a pleasant mood, because I have a story I'd like to tell you and the home viewers as well," he said, appearing to set up a comedy bit.
He went on to explain that a man identified by police as
Robert Halderman, a 51-year-old Emmy Award-winning producer, found out that he was sleeping with several staff members.
Halderman allegedly threatened to expose the 62-year-old Letterman, who married his girlfriend,
Regina Lasko, of 23 years in March, unless he forked over a staggering $2 million.
"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman told viewers. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury.
"This whole thing has been quite scary," he said. "I had to tell them how I was disturbed by this. I was scared for my family. I felt menaced by this man."
Then, Letterman added, "I had to tell them all the creepy things I had done."
The audience roared with laughter.
"Now why is that funny?" Letterman asked.
"Now of course we get to what was it was - we get to all the creepy stuff," Letterman said, taking a more serious tone.
"I have had sex with women who work for me on this show."
The audience was silent.
Letterman said the grand jury asked if the accusations were true.
"Yes, I have," was his answer.
"Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would - especially for the women," he joked.
"But that's a decision for them, if they want to go public and talk.
"It's been a very bizarre experience," Letterman added. "I feel like I need to protect my family. I need to protect myself and I hope to protect my job."
CBS said in a statement that it was "made aware of" an ongoing police investigation involving David Letterman and an employee at '48 Hours'," one of the network's news magazine shows.
"Mr. Letterman addressed the issue during the show's broadcast this evening, and we believe his comments speak for themselves," the CBS statement read. Halderman, who was being held on attempted grand larceny charges, has directed dozens of "48 Hours" documentaries, from the Winter Olympics to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

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