Comedian David Letterman is the recent celebrity forced to confront actions that occurred years ago. On September 9th, an employer for CBS’ “48 Hours” threatened to disclose past affairs Letterman had with “Late Show” staffers. Earlier today, the Manhattan district attorney said the man intended to blackmail Letterman for $2 million.
Robert J. “Joe” Halderman, a producer for the true-crime show “48 Hours,” was arrested Thursday and indicted on one count of attempted first-degree grand larceny, punishable from five to 15 years upon conviction, District Attorney Robert Morgenthau said.
The district attorney’s office said Halderman left a letter and other material for Letterman early Sept. 9. He wrote that he needed “to make a large chunk of money” by selling Letterman a screenplay treatment.
The letter told Letterman that his world was “about to collapse around him” when information about his private life is disclosed. He said it would lead to “a ruined reputation” and severe damage to his professional and family life.
Letterman acknowledged the story on his show last night. In front of a televised audience, he admitted to having relationships with past employees, but realizes that he has to protect them, himself, and his family.
What isn’t clear is whether or not Letterman slept with any of these women while married. Letterman and his wife Regina have been together since 1986. Their son, Harry, is now six years old. While’s it’s unfortunate Letterman was involved, remember that he and his wife weren’t married until March of this year. We have no idea about the inner workings and the ups and downs of their relationship.
Dave has hosted a talk show program in some shape or form since 1980. Unlike Jay Leno, who is very buddy-buddy with a good portion of Hollywood, Letterman has always kept a close circle of friends. These friends have usually been his fellow staff members. Like I said, we don’t know the extent of these indiscretions. On the surface, Dave seems like a happily married man now settling into the roles of “husband” and “father” later in life. I’ll keep thinking of him that way until I learn of evidence more dastardly than this.
Just keep being funny, Dave. You’re all right in my book.
