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David Letterman Victim of $2 Million Extortion Plot
By Stephen M. Silverman
Originally posted Thursday October 01, 2009 10:00 PM EDT
David Letterman Photo by: J.P. Filo / CBS
David Letterman made a shocking personal confession on his CBS Late Show Thursday, admitting he was the victim of a $2 million extortion attempt and that he had had sexual relations with female members of staff.
Three weeks ago, according to a press release from reps of the TV host to PEOPLE and other news organizations, Letterman received a package whose sender claimed to have information about alleged sexual activity between the 62-year-old star and employees of his program.
Threatening to go public with the news, the individual reportedly sought $2 million from Letterman, the current late-night ratings champ told his studio audience Thursday.
"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman said as the cameras rolled. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."
In his testimony, Letterman said, he admitted to engaging in sexual relationships with staff members. "My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would."
He added, "I feel like I need to protect these people – I need to certainly protect my family."
Having initially contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's special prosecution bureau, Letterman helped participate in a sting operation, eventually meeting and handing a counterfeit $2 million check to the alleged extortionist – who was arrested on Thursday.
Letterman and longtime girlfriend (since 1986) Regina Lasko were married in March. They have one child, a son, Harry, born in 2003.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20309725,00.html
By Stephen M. Silverman
Originally posted Thursday October 01, 2009 10:00 PM EDT
David Letterman Photo by: J.P. Filo / CBS
Three weeks ago, according to a press release from reps of the TV host to PEOPLE and other news organizations, Letterman received a package whose sender claimed to have information about alleged sexual activity between the 62-year-old star and employees of his program.
Threatening to go public with the news, the individual reportedly sought $2 million from Letterman, the current late-night ratings champ told his studio audience Thursday.
"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman said as the cameras rolled. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."
In his testimony, Letterman said, he admitted to engaging in sexual relationships with staff members. "My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would."
He added, "I feel like I need to protect these people – I need to certainly protect my family."
Having initially contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's special prosecution bureau, Letterman helped participate in a sting operation, eventually meeting and handing a counterfeit $2 million check to the alleged extortionist – who was arrested on Thursday.
Letterman and longtime girlfriend (since 1986) Regina Lasko were married in March. They have one child, a son, Harry, born in 2003.http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20309725,00.html