Friday, 2 October 2009

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David Letterman confesses to 'affairs' with staff

American chat show host is victim of alleged $2m blackmail plot

David Letterman has hosted his show since 1993

David Letterman stunned audiences last night when he made a shock confession to having 'affairs' with female members of staff.

The American chat show host, who is reported to earn $31m (£19.5m) a year, came clean live on his show after a male TV producer allegedly tried to blackmail him for $2m (£1.25m).

‘This morning I did something I've never done in my life,' David announced to viewers. ‘I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury.

‘I had to tell them all the creepy things I've done.'

‘The creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who work for me on this show.'

David, 62, explained that he had found a package in his car three weeks ago containing a threatening message.

He met with the alleged blackmailer who vowed to write a screenplay revealing everything if he didn't cough up.

David contacted his lawyers and testified against the man, resulting in an arrest.

‘This whole thing has been quite scary. I had to tell [the jury] how disturbed I was by this.

‘I was scared for my family. I felt menaced by this man.'

David married wife Regina Lasko in March and they have a son, 6.

The alleged blackmailer pleaded not guilty to attempted grand larceny today in a New York court.

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Lorraine Crowther