Letterman admits affairs

[msny]

David Letterman Admits Affairs at Center of Extortion Arrest
Friday , October 02, 2009

Late-night host David Letterman acknowledged on Thursday's show that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort $2 million from him over the affairs. CBS says an employee has been charged with attempted grand larceny in the case.

Letterman told his story during a taping of his show, mixing in jokes to an audience that seemed confused about what it was. He called it a "bizarre experience" that left him feeling disturbed and menaced.

Click here for a clip of Letterman addressing the affairs, extortion.

In a release from the show's production company, Letterman said he referred the matter to the Manhattan district attorney's office. An investigation ended in an arrest Thursday after Letterman issued a phony $2 million check to keep the matter silent.

The network said late Thursday the person who was arrested works on the true-crime show "48 Hours" and has been suspended. A person with knowledge of the investigation said the suspect is Robert J. Halderman. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because authorities have not released the suspect's name.

A "48 Hours" producer named Joe Halderman was part of a team nominated for an Emmy for outstanding continuing coverage of a news story in a news magazine in 2008.

Two numbers listed for Halderman were disconnected, and a message left at a third number was not immediately returned Thursday.

The late-night comic began his show by walking onstage and briefly leaning on a pillar with his back to the audience. Then he gave a monologue with jokes against frequent foils like Dick Cheney and Sarah Palin. He told his personal story after sitting behind his desk.

He said he was glad the audience was in a pleasant mood "because I have a little story that I'd like to tell you and the home viewers as well."

Three weeks ago, Letterman said he got in his car early in the morning and found a package with a letter saying "I know that you do some terrible, terrible things and that I can prove you do some terrible things." He acknowledged the letter contained proof.

Letterman said he called his lawyer to set up a meeting with the man, who threatened to write a screenplay and a book about Letterman unless he was given money. There were two subsequent meetings with the man, the last one resulting in the check being delivered.

He told the audience that he had to testify before a grand jury on Thursday.

"I was worried for myself, I was worried for my family," he said. "I felt menaced by this, and I had to tell them all of the creepy things that I had done."

"The creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who work for me on this show," he said. "My response to that is yes, I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Yes, it would, especially for the women."

Whether they wanted to make the relationships public was up to them, he said.

"It's been a very bizarre experience," he said. "I felt like I needed to protect these people. I need to protect my family. I need to protect myself. Hope to protect my job."

Letterman mixed in jokes while telling the story, keeping his audience off guard.

"I know what you're saying," he said. "I'll be darned, Dave had sex."

It was not immediately clear when the relationships took place; Letterman and longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko married in March. The couple began dating in 1986 and have a son, Harry, born in November 2003.

CBS spokesman Chris Ender said Thursday that "Letterman's comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves."

It's the second set of embarrassing headlines for Letterman in four months. In June, he apologized to Sarah Palin for making a crude joke about the former Republican vice presidential candidate's 14-year-old daughter. Although there was a small "fire Letterman" demonstration outside of his studio later, CBS stood by its late-night star.

After nearly 15 years in second place to NBC's Jay Leno in the ratings, Letterman took over the top spot this summer after Conan O'Brien became "Tonight" show host.

Letterman's CBS "Late Show" has been on the air since 1993 and before that, he had a late-night show on NBC from 1982 to 1993.

Alicia Maxey Greene, a spokeswoman for the Manhattan District Attorney's office, declined to comment.

Letterman was also the victim of a 2005 plot by a former painter on his Montana ranch to kidnap his nanny and son for a $5 million ransom. The former painter, Kelly A. Frank, briefly escaped from prison in 2007 before being recaptured.

Another alleged extortion scandal surrounding a public figure, Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino, similarly forced him this summer to acknowledge an affair.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,558902,00.html

Sarah Palin feels better this morning...I'm sure.
What say you?

[Ariel_Avram]

Couldn't have happened to a better guy. I wonder how Letterman felt when he was telling all those Sanford jokes. :))

[Vaard]

this is really going to hurt lettermans chances of being elected......

[msny]

this is really going to hurt lettermans chances of being elected......

It hurts his credibility as a comedian, looks like the joke
is on him.

[Mojotiger]

What part of this is related to politics?

[coodaddy]

Screw Letterman. He's a POS. :evil:

[acornsblow]

What part of this is related to politics?


Although he is not a politician, he makes a pretty good living at the expense of politicians. Ironic how he feels the need to protect his family after completely trashing the Palin family.

[Mojotiger]

Although he is not a politician, he makes a pretty good living at the expense of politicians. Ironic how he feels the need to protect his family after completely trashing the Palin family.

Lots of people do that.

[opsyscw]

We should start a Top Ten list for good 'ole Dave!

[goeagles]

It's not news that relations develop in the workplace, and many lead to marriage and lasting relationships.
But nobody who hasn't worked in television understands the power megastars like Letterman wield over the people who work for them. A cross word or eyerolling from the star can erase a job in an instant.
I think Letterman used very poor judgment in engaging in sex with staff members, and regardless of the legal strategy that may have prompted last night's public disclosure, has opened every woman on his staff, from senior producers to the lowest-paid script girls and unpaid interns, to unfair suspicion and ridicule.
If one of my daughters had interned with the Letterman show, I would be very upset this morning.

[TheModerateOne]

All I have to say is L-O-L. You sly dog, Dave, dipping your pen in the company ink! I think those jokes about other peoples' indiscretions are going to fall flat from now on. What a hateful, bitter, angry little man. Couldn't have happened to a better person.

[opsyscw]

It's not news that relations develop in the workplace, and many lead to marriage and lasting relationships.
But nobody who hasn't worked in television understands the power megastars like Letterman wield over the people who work for them. A cross word or eyerolling from the star can erase a job in an instant.
I think Letterman used very poor judgment in engaging in sex with staff members, and regardless of the legal strategy that may have prompted last night's public disclosure, has opened every woman on his staff, from senior producers to the lowest-paid script girls and unpaid interns, to unfair suspicion and ridicule.
If one of my daughters had interned with the Letterman show, I would be very upset this morning.
This is out of character for you GoEagles, condeming and not defending one of the hero's of the left.

I bet you didn't condem good 'ole Dave when he was slamming Sarah Palin and her family.

[Once_A_King]

We got Letterman, now let's get Obama!

[LouC]

this is really going to hurt lettermans chances of being elected......

Since he is not running for office it won't hurt his "being elected".

A little humble pie might just might be good for the pompous ass.

Temper that holier than thou attitude he assumes with certain people.

Perhaps.

Time will tell.

[Mojotiger]

We got Letterman, now let's get Obama!

How did you get Letterman?

[LouC]

We got Letterman, now let's get Obama!

No "We" did not "got" Letterman.

His own actions brought about this turn of events.

He was aware enough of how this sort of affair plays out to be the one to reveal it himself which mitigates much of the public negativity that results from such exposures.

[ArmyMAJretired]

It's not news that relations develop in the workplace, and many lead to marriage and lasting relationships.
But nobody who hasn't worked in television understands the power megastars like Letterman wield over the people who work for them. A cross word or eyerolling from the star can erase a job in an instant.
I think Letterman used very poor judgment in engaging in sex with staff members, and regardless of the legal strategy that may have prompted last night's public disclosure, has opened every woman on his staff, from senior producers to the lowest-paid script girls and unpaid interns, to unfair suspicion and ridicule.
If one of my daughters had interned with the Letterman show, I would be very upset this morning.

Exactly, I hope he gets sued for sexual harassment as well. No different than Clinton using his power to seduce a staff member. DISGUSTING!

I wonder if the media will treat him like they did O'Reily when a woman claimed he was inappropriate with her? Somehow I think he will get the wink and nod like Polanski!

[ArmyMAJretired]

Since he is not running for office it won't hurt his "being elected".

A little humble pie might just might be good for the pompous ass.

Temper that holier than thou attitude he assumes with certain people.

Perhaps.

Time will tell.

He should lose his job for screwing the help!

[Debbie Shafer]

Since he is not running for office it won't hurt his "being elected".

A little humble pie might just might be good for the pompous ass.

Temper that holier than thou attitude he assumes with certain people.

Perhaps.

Time will tell.
Remember, What goes around comes around. What you do unto others will come back to haunt you! I remember his critisizm of Sarah Palin and her young daughter. Do not ever think God isn't taking notes on the blasphemers, liars, adulterers, crooks, and law breakers!

[goeagles]

Exactly, I hope he gets sued for sexual harassment as well. No different than Clinton using his power to seduce a staff member. DISGUSTING!

I wonder if the media will treat him like they did O'Reily when a woman claimed he was inappropriate with her? Somehow I think he will get the wink and nod like Polanski!
Nobody in the media has given Polanski "a wink and a nod."
He's been hammered all over the country.

[StoneScratcher]

Letterman is a VICTIM.

Letterman was the VICTIM of some bad evil person who was blackmailing him.

Letterman was the VICTIM of a crime.

That's the only message liberals will chant. VICTIM.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

We got Letterman, now let's get Obama!
Wow...

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Letterman is a VICTIM.

Letterman was the VICTIM of some bad evil person who was blackmailing him.

Letterman was the VICTIM of a crime.

That's the only message liberals will chant. VICTIM.
Letterman was the victim of a crime. Last I checked, extortion is illegal.

He was not the victim of having sex with his staffers. I don't think anyone's implying as such.

[Buffalo]

It hurts his credibility as a comedian, looks like the joke
is on him.
Having an affair hurts his credibility as a comedian? How is that?

[StoneScratcher]

Since he is not running for office it won't hurt his "being elected".

A little humble pie might just might be good for the pompous ass.

Temper that holier than thou attitude he assumes with certain people.

Perhaps.

Time will tell.

Ratings will soar! Watch. Not only is he the liberal poster boy, but he is also a VICTIM of HIMSELF for breaking family values.

[don_p]

Although he is not a politician, he makes a pretty good living at the expense of politicians. Ironic how he feels the need to protect his family after completely trashing the Palin family.

I think he is a pretty vile excuse for a human being. But I do hope his family is treated better than he has treated the families of others.

[TheModerateOne]

Having an affair hurts his credibility as a comedian? How is that?

Well, he did rip Mark Sanford a new one.

[Buffalo]

No "We" did not "got" Letterman.

His own actions brought about this turn of events.

He was aware enough of how this sort of affair plays out to be the one to reveal it himself which mitigates much of the public negativity that results from such exposures.
yep.

[skprtod914]

As a local host in my city suggested, I wonder what Letterman thinks about Bristol Palin now?

[Buffalo]

Well, he did rip Mark Sanford a new one.
But comedians can be hypocrites without any issue. If the jokes are funny, the jokes are funny. If they are not, they are not.

[StoneScratcher]

Letterman was the victim of a crime. Last I checked, extortion is illegal.

He was not the victim of having sex with his staffers. I don't think anyone's implying as such.

It is being "marketed" as this--him the victim. Don't you see that?

Sure he's a sleeze, always was after he signed in with that big contract a few years ago (seems he turned BLUE-coat liberal after that...hmmm).

Anyway, it seems he (and others) is/are milking the CRIME of extortion AGAINST HIM rather than WHAT HE DID to others.

[TheModerateOne]

But comedians can be hypocrites without any issue. If the jokes are funny, the jokes are funny. If they are not, they are not.

I don't think Letterman will be doing too many affair jokes, going after people, anytime soon.

[Buffalo]

Lots of comedians are of weak moral fiber. Probably most of them.

[skprtod914]

Lots of comedians are of weak moral fiber. Probably most of them.


I would agree with that. Though the same could probably be said of a lot of celebrities in general.

[Buffalo]

I don't think Letterman will be doing too many affair jokes, going after people, anytime soon.
I don't think it will stop him. Like I said, he makes jokes. If they are funny, people will like them. I don't think most people say, that was funny, but didn't Letterman have sex with one of his staffers? People watch shows like Letterman for pure entertainment.

[Buffalo]

I would agree with that. Though the same could probably be said of a lot of celebrities in general.
Probably. Trappings of fame?

[StoneScratcher]

David Letterman Victim of $2 Million Sex Extortion Plot

Posted Friday October 02, 2009

David Letterman made a shocking 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 his staff.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20309725,00.html

He admits he was a VICTIM.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

It is being "marketed" as this--him the victim. Don't you see that?

Sure he's a sleeze, always was after he signed in with that big contract a few years ago (seems he turned BLUE-coat liberal after that...hmmm).

Anyway, it seems he (and others) is/are milking the CRIME of extortion AGAINST HIM rather than WHAT HE DID to others.
Interesting.

Last night when as I was drifting off, the anchors on the local news were promoting the "Late Show" and saying "Letterman admits to his affairs, tonight, on CBS 3". And Philly is not generally known as a conservative area, so if he was being portrayed as a "victim", I'd think Philly would be one of the places where that would be happening.

[Mojotiger]

Probably. Trappings of fame?

Would take some mighty willpower. That goes for politicians as well as entertainers.

[skprtod914]

Probably. Trappings of fame?

Maybe, or maybe they just don't resist human nature.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

David Letterman Victim of $2 Million Sex Extortion Plot

Posted Friday October 02, 2009

David Letterman made a shocking 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 his staff.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20309725,00.html

He admits he was a VICTIM.
HE WAS a victim. Granted, he's a victim because he put himself in a position to be victimized, but to argue that he's NOT a victim of extortion is incorrect.

Or is extortion a GOOD thing to you?

[Buffalo]

Would take some mighty willpower. That goes for politicians as well as entertainers.
Yep. It's all too common.

[StoneScratcher]

Veteran Hollywood publicist Michael Levine says:

"One of the unique genius parts of David's personality is his capacity to be self-deprecating. So, I can see this, a year out, playing as a great kind of comedy advantage for him. In the short term, of course, it will create a lot of controversy -- and controversy is the gasoline that drives the engine of ratings success."


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/02/entertainment/main5357916.shtml

[mkh]

Disappointing.

[StoneScratcher]

HE WAS a victim. Granted, he's a victim because he put himself in a position to be victimized, but to argue that he's NOT a victim of extortion is incorrect.

Or is extortion a GOOD thing to you?

You are greatly missing the point. Anyone knows extortion is bad, and when it happens to someone, they are the victim of it.

But you are failing to see that that is the ONLY victimization that is being focused on--HIS.

And, well, you know how everyone champions a VICTIM.

Well? What about his WIFE? His son? His staff?

Oh, no, they are not victims. Why? Because to CALL them VICTIMS, you'd have to BELIEVE IN FAMILY VALUES! And family values are, on the most part, CONSERVATIVE-based (FIDELITY).

[janer]

A caller to a local radio program this morning asked whether Letterman could be sued for sexual harrassment. Here in NJ these laws are very loosely written and can even comprehend overhearing (eavesdropping upon) an offensive joke. The issue of whether a relationship can be consensual if there is a employer/employee relationship was also raised. The fact that a blackmailer was arrested does not necessarily mean that Letterman has not left himself open to legal consequences for these relationships.

[zantax]

Guy should get the axe, doing the people that work under you is a no no, at least in any corporation with any kind of ethical structure.

[whitesands53]

Letterman=self inflicted failure.

[LouC]

Nobody in the media has given Polanski "a wink and a nod."
He's been hammered all over the country.

True that I haven't seen a real journalist yet give him a "wink" or a "nod" but I have witnessed many media venues featuring interviews of high profile people, from all walks, that are giving Polanski those "winks" and "nods".

[StoneScratcher]

A caller to a local radio program this morning asked whether Letterman could be sued for sexual harrassment. Here in NJ these laws are very loosely written and can even comprehend overhearing (eavesdropping upon) an offensive joke. The issue of whether a relationship can be consensual if there is a employer/employee relationship was also raised. The fact that a blackmailer was arrested does not necessarily mean that Letterman has not left himself open to legal consequences for these relationships.

They may have been paid off to keep their mouths zipped about how he couldn't keep his pants zipped.

[goeagles]

True that I haven't seen a real journalist yet give him a "wink" or a "nod" but I have witnessed many media venues featuring interviews of high profile people, from all walks, that are giving Polanski those "winks" and "nods".
That's the news.
Some people in Hollywood and elsewhere have exhibited atrocious moral judgment in this matter.
Their comments are a major part of the story.
Eugene Robinson had some apt comments in his column this morning in the Washington Post.
I recommend it.

[LouC]

A caller to a local radio program this morning asked whether Letterman could be sued for sexual harrassment...

I wonder if that is a possibility?

I am not familiar with such law but wonder if the suit always have to be initiated by the one harassed or can others file on their behalf?

[TheModerateOne]

I don't think it will stop him. Like I said, he makes jokes. If they are funny, people will like them. I don't think most people say, that was funny, but didn't Letterman have sex with one of his staffers? People watch shows like Letterman for pure entertainment.

Maybe they'll think it's funny, maybe they won't. You may be on to something - maybe they won't care about his hypocrisy.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

A caller to a local radio program this morning asked whether Letterman could be sued for sexual harrassment. Here in NJ these laws are very loosely written and can even comprehend overhearing (eavesdropping upon) an offensive joke. The issue of whether a relationship can be consensual if there is a employer/employee relationship was also raised. The fact that a blackmailer was arrested does not necessarily mean that Letterman has not left himself open to legal consequences for these relationships.

He COULD be sued, but only by one of the people he had sex with, and only if it could be proven that the person's job was at stake if they refused.

Yes...there are states with harrassment laws that are entirely too strict, but in every state I've ever heard of, no one's ever been successfully sued for someone overhearing an offensive joke unless that person had been previously warned about it.

[Nevarwinter]

Other than this being the biggest ho-hum of the day, it's nice to see hypocrites exposed.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Maybe they'll think it's funny, maybe they won't. You may be on to something - maybe they won't care about his hypocrisy.
Some will care, others won't.

Hell...how many people refuse to vote for Democrats because they're "socialists" but vote for Republicans who exhibit the exact same behavior?

[StoneScratcher]

I wonder if that is a possibility?

I am not familiar with such law but wonder if the suit always have to be initiated by the one harassed or can others file on their behalf?

Letterman probably set up something with Employee Assistance at his company and made himself a victim of being a sex addict.

So, with that Employee Assistance "case" for supporting his "condition" and Letterman being a "victim" of his condition--

Other employees from that company cannot pursue any legal action. They can, however, try to sue the company that they all work for. But that would be like suing the devil.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[ArmyMAJretired]

A caller to a local radio program this morning asked whether Letterman could be sued for sexual harrassment. Here in NJ these laws are very loosely written and can even comprehend overhearing (eavesdropping upon) an offensive joke. The issue of whether a relationship can be consensual if there is a employer/employee relationship was also raised. The fact that a blackmailer was arrested does not necessarily mean that Letterman has not left himself open to legal consequences for these relationships.

There is a good chance if any of his "lovers" felt pressured to keep their job or to get ahead!

the victim or witnesses typically must reasonably believe that tolerating the hostile work environment is a condition of continued employment. In other words, the victim or witnesses typically must reasonably believe that they have no choice, but to endure a hostile workplace in order to keep their jobs.

http://employeeissues.com/hostile_work_environment.htm

[SFC(R)L]

Just when you thought this dirtbag couldn't get any sleazier, and was finally out of the news....

[55SFSDefender]

I don't particularly care for David Letterman or his style of humor. It is a shame that he, or anyone else in this situation, is facing this type of crime. Unfortunately they bring it upon themselves through their actions. I sincerly hope that those involved in this alleged crime are caught and jailed if it turns out to be true.

As for Letterman's jokes, often at the expense of politicians, so what? Comedians make jokes, observations and satire all the time. This isn't going to hurt Letterman at all, in fact it might even make his core audience like him even more.

[Stantz]

It hurts his credibility as a comedian, looks like the joke
is on him.
lol his credibility as a comedian?

Yea i always felt Richard Pryor's credibility as a comedian went down the toilet after he admitted his cocaine use :rolleyes:

[timjy]

Nobody in the media has given Polanski "a wink and a nod."
He's been hammered all over the country.
watched anderson cooper he was trying to make polanski out as the victim.Fits right in with this degrading progressive agenda.

[spinach]

Guy should get the axe, doing the people that work under you is a no no, at least in any corporation with any kind of ethical structure.


yes
it opens up the company to sexual harassment suits

and companies do not like to be put into a no-win situation.

with his admission, what happens if someone on the staff accuses him now?
their chances of winning [even if lying] in court are higher.

[goeagles]

watched anderson cooper he was trying to make polanski out as the victim.Fits right in with this degrading progressive agenda.
That's your opinion, based on the powerful argument that you dislike Anderson Cooper and the "degrading progressive agenda," whatever that is.
Not very persuasive.
I suspect that if you were to post what what you saw, your argument would hold no water.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

I don't particularly care for David Letterman or his style of humor. It is a shame that he, or anyone else in this situation, is facing this type of crime. Unfortunately they bring it upon themselves through their actions. I sincerly hope that those involved in this alleged crime are caught and jailed if it turns out to be true.

As for Letterman's jokes, often at the expense of politicians, so what? Comedians make jokes, observations and satire all the time. This isn't going to hurt Letterman at all, in fact it might even make his core audience like him even more.
Stop allowing him to play the role of "victim"

;)

[Dr. Funkenstein]

lol his credibility as a comedian?

Yea i always felt Richard Pryor's credibility as a comedian went down the toilet after he admitted his cocaine use :rolleyes:
I know I stopped laughing after he got blasted by his crack pipe...

[Mohawk5]

Can I ask why this is even news? I could care less whom Letterman is laying the pipe too!

[spinach]

Can I ask why this is even news? I could care less whom Letterman is laying the pipe too!

not even if it was Barney Frank?

[timjy]

That's your opinion, based on the powerful argument that you dislike Anderson Cooper and the "degrading progressive agenda," whatever that is.
Not very persuasive.
I suspect that if you were to post what what you saw, your argument would hold no water.
Did you see the interview with the detective and toobin? my bias for cnn aside watch it and tell me what you think

[StoneScratcher]

David Letterman EXCLUSIVE script release:


"Well, with all this gossip hitting the tabloids about me being a sex addict..." (pause) "I guess you know, now, where I came up with the name Worldwide Pants. (pause) "The only thing is...those pants were supposed to remain zipped." (pause) "Besides being illegal, this extortion against me; It wasn't just the $2Million dollars that upset me. What really upset me was the extortionist told me the $2Million dollars was going toward Sarah Palin's wardrobe."

[Mohawk5]

It's not news that relations develop in the workplace, and many lead to marriage and lasting relationships.
But nobody who hasn't worked in television understands the power megastars like Letterman wield over the people who work for them. A cross word or eyerolling from the star can erase a job in an instant.
I think Letterman used very poor judgment in engaging in sex with staff members, and regardless of the legal strategy that may have prompted last night's public disclosure, has opened every woman on his staff, from senior producers to the lowest-paid script girls and unpaid interns, to unfair suspicion and ridicule.
If one of my daughters had interned with the Letterman show, I would be very upset this morning.


Great post GE. It's great when someone can open your eyes with one post.

[Imperialparadox]

We got Letterman, now let's get Obama!

Awesome! So tell me, what was your personal role in operation Take Credit for Things I Didn't Do?

[zantax]

That's your opinion, based on the powerful argument that you dislike Anderson Cooper and the "degrading progressive agenda," whatever that is.
Not very persuasive.
I suspect that if you were to post what what you saw, your argument would hold no water.

from http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0909/30/acd.02.html

COOPER: So did prosecutors reneg on a plea deal with Polanski and should he pay for his crime? The debate touched off a firestorm of opinions. If you watched "The View" you got a sense of how charged the debate is.

Joy Behar was in the middle of that heated discussion. She's also part of our family now as the host of "THE JOY BEHAR SHOW" on HLN at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Joy joins us now along with our legal analyst Lisa Bloom.

So Joy, what do you make of this outpouring of support for Polanski from Hollywood? I mean we heard Whoopi Goldberg earlier in our piece. Why do you think a lot of folks in Hollywood don't see this as a cut and dry case?

BEHAR: Let me tell you something about Whoopi, she's not exactly saying that she's behind Roman Polanski on this. She just wanted to clarify the charges, and she sort of cleared that up today on the show, I thought.

COOPER: But does it surprise you that so many big names in Hollywood are coming out and saying this is an outrage?

BEHAR: No. The Hollywood community always circles the wagons for one of their own, don't they? You know, Woody Allen at the top of the list? Please.

COOPER: What do you mean?

BEHAR: Talk about the pot calling the kettle black here. Of course he's going to back Roman Polanski because he did something similar, only in that case it was his daughter. This is not exactly an open and shut case when Woody Allen is involved in it.

COOPER: Lisa, a lot of folks say Polanski was not facing a just judge 32 years ago. Was he promised a deal that the justice system backed away from? Certainly seems like it.

then the CNN legal analyst sets Cooper straight...

LISA BLOOM, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: Please. Let me clear this up, ok? Roman Polanski got a sweet plea deal back in 1978 from this judge that he's now attacking. He was charged with six felonies, and there was substantial physical evidence to corroborate the crimes that he was accused of, namely drugging, raping and sodomizing this poor girl.

There was his semen on her underpants. There were the photos that corroborated and there was a witness in the house as to everything that she said.

He got a very sweet deal, getting it all pleaded down to one count. A judge is not a party to a plea deal. It is not correct to say that the judge reneged on the plea deal. The plea deal is between the prosecution and the defense.

The judge is not there to rubber stamp it. He always has his own discretion. Now, he was inclined to let Polanski serve 90 days for the diagnostic evaluation. Polanski served 42 days; he got out early.

Then the judge bent over backwards again in Polanski's favor, let him go to Europe ostensibly to work on a movie. Instead, he's photographed in a German Beerhall flanked by two apparently young women.

That irritated the judge, as it would have irritated any judge faced with a crime like this. The judge then suggested that Polanski might have gotten a tougher sentence. Polanski fled, the judge never imposed the tougher sentence. So I think all of these allegations of wrong doing by the judge are really misplaced. This judge bent over backwards, I think, to accommodate Polanski.

So Cooper did defend him a bit, not especially egregious, like Whoopi saying it wasn't a "rape, rape" though.

[Imperialparadox]

Just for the record I have no respect for people who have affairs.

I also have no respect for people who engage in extortion.

However, I doubt this is going to have a large impact on his career, and I don't think it will even affect the kind of jokes Letterman tells in a significant way. Remember, Dave likes to use self-depreciation in his humor, so he can continue to blast people for their indescretions with the 'takes one to know one' approach.

[spinach]

Awesome! So tell me, what was your personal role in operation Take Credit for Things I Didn't Do?

he said it in the 'collective we' sense
any simpleton could have figured that out.

however, "we" didn't do anything.
Letterman threw a spear and impaled himself.

confuzion say:

"man with loose zipper often impale self when throwing spear, but leave no visible wound"

[Imperialparadox]

he said it in the 'collective we' sense
any simpleton could have figured that out.

however, "we" didn't do anything.
Letterman threw a spear and impaled himself.

Awesome. I'm glad you were able to figure out the point I was trying to make. I didn't think it would be too hard to understand.

[goeagles]

from http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0909/30/acd.02.html



then the CNN legal analyst sets Cooper straight...



So Cooper did defend him a bit, not especially egregious, like Whoopi saying it wasn't a "rape, rape" though.

No, he did not defend him.
He was playing devil's advocate as would any good interviewer, making sure that all pertinent questions were raised.

[SFC(R)L]

It just shows what a hypocrite he is as he has chosen to use his platform to attack and criticize others whiloe he wrapped up in this.

[SFC(R)L]

Sarah Palin is now laughing her ass off.

[spinach]

Awesome. I'm glad you were able to figure out the point I was trying to make. I didn't think it would be too hard to understand.

And you still don't get it.
that other poster used "we" in the collective sense.
that made your question ridiculous.


He did not speak as though HE and others actually DID some action here.

[spinach]

Sarah Palin is now laughing her ass off.

you mean laughing her letterman off [small L, too]

[spinach]

And it throws his sex joke about her daughter into a new light as well.
he has painted himself to be a pervert.

Barney Frank would like him painted.

[zantax]

No, he did not defend him.
He was playing devil's advocate as would any good interviewer, making sure that all pertinent questions were raised.


Err no

COOPER: Lisa, a lot of folks say Polanski was not facing a just judge 32 years ago. Was he promised a deal that the justice system backed away from?

That part is doing what you assert.



Certainly seems like it.

That part, not so much.

[treadmill]

Letterman is a prime example of liberal males we all know who grew up during the '60s (when they last, if ever, questioned THEMSELVES), came of age during the SNL '70s and have spent the last three plus decades ridiculing other people. To them it is all about ego and power. They hang around feminists because they believe they can use their "charisma" to "get some". They are game players. Letterman, like Clinton, are truly representative of one type of arrogant liberal. AND THEY DARE TO MOCK SARAH PALIN???? REALLY!!!!:rolleyes:

[homiebrah]

this is really going to hurt lettermans chances of being elected......

Which office is he running for, O Wised Informer?

:rolleyes:

[zantax]

Which office is he running for, O Wised Informer?

:rolleyes:


You might want to take your sarcasm detector in for a check up.

[homiebrah]

You might want to take your sarcasm detector in for a check up.

Naw, it's Vaard. He's good people.

[RedStatePaPa]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,558902,00.html

Sarah Palin feels better this morning...I'm sure.
What say you?

Libs just love those starry eyed interns don't they?


And they love the double standard too. :rolleyes:

[goeagles]

Err no

COOPER: Lisa, a lot of folks say Polanski was not facing a just judge 32 years ago. Was he promised a deal that the justice system backed away from?

That part is doing what you assert.



Certainly seems like it.

That part, not so much.

Most people are not suspicious political drones, who parse every word in a ceaseless search for "bias."
Cooper's interview was comprehensive and professional.

[RedStatePaPa]

Exactly, I hope he gets sued for sexual harassment as well. No different than Clinton using his power to seduce a staff member. DISGUSTING!

I wonder if the media will treat him like they did O'Reily when a woman claimed he was inappropriate with her? Somehow I think he will get the wink and nod like Polanski!

Yep. Nothing like a good dose of hypocrisy to really get the blood pumping.

[spinach]

Libs just love those starry eyed interns don't they?



it's about control.

Stemming from an inward feeling of inferiority.
that's what all adultery comes down to.

[RedStatePaPa]

Most people are not suspicious political drones, who parse every word in a ceaseless search for "bias."
Cooper's interview was comprehensive and professional.

Luckily we don't have to search very far.

Bias is a fact of life now.

[goeagles]

Luckily we don't have to search very far.

Bias is a fact of life now.

Exhibit B.

[zantax]

Most people are not suspicious political drones, who parse every word in a ceaseless search for "bias."
Cooper's interview was comprehensive and professional.

You may have appointed yourself the local expert on the media but I haven't endorsed your appointment. So I'll make up my own mind thanks, I don't need you to tell me what people mean, I can read just fine and he plainly said it seemed to him that the judge was unfair, that's a defense of Polanski, open and shut.

[TaylorW65]

it's about control.

Stemming from an inward feeling of inferiority.
that's what all adultery comes down to.

As a therapist I say you're wrong to overgeneralize and say everyone who has affairs are doing it because of self-esteem or control issues. There are often many reasons. You really have to get to know the individuals involved to discover the true motives which drive people to have affairs.

[goeagles]

You may have appointed yourself the local expert on the media but I haven't endorsed your appointment. So I'll make up my own mind thanks, I don't need you to tell me what people mean, I can read just fine and he plainly said it seemed to him that the judge was unfair, that's a defense of Polanski, open and shut.
Exhibit A again.

[RedStatePaPa]

it's about control.

Stemming from an inward feeling of inferiority.
that's what all adultery comes down to.

Wonder when the shoe will drop on TOTUS.

You just know that's going to be happening.

[Mojotiger]

Exhibit A again.

Exhibit F.

[spinach]

Wonder when the shoe will drop on TOTUS.

You just know that's going to be happening.


the left shoe or right shoe?

Not that there's anythng wrong with that.

---Jerry Seinfeld

[ExDem]

Wow. Another lib caught sexually harrassing women on the job. At least he didn't point his finger at the camera and claim "I....DID.....NOT.....HAVE....SEX......WITH.......T HAT......WOMAN.

[RedStatePaPa]

Exhibit B.

Hey it's you in denial, not me.


The lib game plan is crystal clear now:

a) Marginalize
b) Ridicule
c) Deny
d) Ignore
e) Rinse and Repeat


:naughty:

[Values]

Ahhhhhhhhh......the man who made his fame making fun of others becomes a punchline!
Poetic justice!

[RedStatePaPa]

You may have appointed yourself the local expert on the media but I haven't endorsed your appointment. So I'll make up my own mind thanks, I don't need you to tell me what people mean, I can read just fine and he plainly said it seemed to him that the judge was unfair, that's a defense of Polanski, open and shut.

Yeah GE is yet another appintment that wasn't vetted.


I hope she's up to date on her taxes. :dance:

[RedStatePaPa]

As a therapist I say you're wrong to overgeneralize and say everyone who has affairs are doing it because of self-esteem or control issues. There are often many reasons. You really have to get to know the individuals involved to discover the true motives which drive people to have affairs.

As a therapist, why would you say that people in power use young, starry-eyed interns for sex?

[jprin]

Letterman is a prime example of liberal males we all know who grew up during the '60s (when they last, if ever, questioned THEMSELVES), came of age during the SNL '70s and have spent the last three plus decades ridiculing other people.

So, you think only "liberal males" ridicule other people? I'm pretty sure Limbaugh and Hannity ridicule other people, willfully, effectively, enthusiastically, and proudly. They enjoy a lot of fame a fortune for doing it. So when did they become liberals?


To them it is all about ego and power.

Yup.....liberal males are "all about ego and power." Conservatives......are not? Liberals = bad, conservatives = good. Got it.


They hang around feminists because they believe they can use their "charisma" to "get some". They are game players. Letterman, like Clinton, are truly representative of one type of arrogant liberal.

Those liberal male hooligans! Famed liberal male Congressman John Ensign, embroiled in increasing legal muck over his affair with a staffer, apparently proves your point about charisma and "getting some", along with ego and power. The liberal male thing? Not so much.


AND THEY DARE TO MOCK SARAH PALIN???? REALLY!!!!:rolleyes:

You didn't get the memo? Liberals are supposed to be obsessed with Palin. You got it backwards.

[toreyj01]

Hmm a sex scandal that involves consenting hetero adults.

Must be a Dem, agreed.

[Roberts_the_man]

What part of this is related to politics?

Hardly any at first glance....

However as a comedian that likes to tell lots of jokes about politicians who have had extra-marital affairs...

His sexual escapades are just blatant hypocrisy that while disparaging others for the same behaviour is the last laugh on him (Not really... It's extremely sad... For an extremely pathetic weasel . ) .

I wonder if this will be the final straw that ends his career ?

[spinach]

I wonder if this will be the final straw that ends his career ?

nah, when liberals are proven to be scum sucking sleazy weasels, they get promoted.
He might get a raise and a new limo--
or might be asked to run for president as a democrat

[RedStatePaPa]

Exhibit F.

I was thinking Exhibit F.U

but hey... :lol:

[RedStatePaPa]

the left shoe or right shoe?

Not that there's anythng wrong with that.

---Jerry Seinfeld

Rep points for you. :lol:

[withoutfeathers]

Hmm a sex scandal that involves consenting hetero adults.

Must be a Dem, agreed.Sex with the boss is never entirely consensual. There is always an element of coercion when your job is involved. That's a rule that you guys made, not us.

I see I was right in believing that this is yet another rule which the left sees as applying to everyone else but themselves. What next? Will a 44 year old movie producer deliberately isolates a 13 year old girl from her parents, drugs her and then forces her to have sex be called "consenting hetero?" ...Oh wait.

[TaylorW65]

As a therapist, why would you say that people in power use young, starry-eyed interns for sex?

As a therapist I would not conjecture why he did it, I would have to get to know him to discover his motives.

Otherwise I would just be projecting my thoughts onto him (countertransference) which is all people are doing on this topic anyway.

[jprin]

I wonder if this will be the final straw that ends his career ?

It's being reported that Senator Craig has been hired as an advisor.

[Roberts_the_man]

Letterman was the victim of a crime. Last I checked, extortion is illegal.

He was not the victim of having sex with his staffers. I don't think anyone's implying as such.

Yup extortion is a crime.

So is sexual harrassment ...

His bank account would recover even if had paid out the money.

How do you undo the shame , the life long mental anguish that would accompany that shame while Dave gets a virtual hearty guffaw and a vitrtual slap on the back for his sexual exploits.

Nobody twisted his arm to diddle the female staff !

Too bad somebody tried to extort money from him but boo hoo because he is supposedly a grown up man that should have known better.



Why is it that guys like this get a pass just because he is a celebrity.

[jprin]

As a therapist I would not conjecture why he did it, I would have to get to know him to discover his motives.

Otherwise I would just be projecting my thoughts onto him (countertransference) which is all people are doing on this topic anyway.

Gawd.....this place must be some kind of immersion lesson in projection.

[Roberts_the_man]

It's being reported that Senator Craig has been hired as an advisor.

Yeah if Dave had sought out hookers he would hired Eliot Spitzer instead !

[rodlang]

What goes around, comes around. Now lets see the old fart mock Palin, Sanford, etc.

The main problem for Dave is that he's not funny, he's just nasty.

[PSBandit]

As with Clinton... for libs its a badge of honor.

[Roberts_the_man]

Gawd.....this place must be some kind of immersion lesson in projection.

:think::rolleyes:

Don't project your "theory of immersion" on me !!!! :)) :)) :))

[toreyj01]

Sex with the boss is never entirely consensual. There is always an element of coercion when your job is involved. That's a rule that you guys made, not us.

I see I was right in believing that this is yet another rule which the left sees as applying to everyone else but themselves. What next? Will a 44 year old movie producer deliberately isolates a 13 year old girl from her parents, drugs her and then forces her to have sex be called "consenting hetero?" ...Oh wait.

My post had less than a few dozen words in it.

How did you miss the word "adult"?

[Stardust]

He gets on his show and the first thing he does is he jokes about it. (Wonder if his wife and kid think its hilarious.)

I am amazed out how so many men fall into this trap (how they are willing to give up their careers, families, respect, tons of money.....for sex). Women on the whole don't normally do stuff like this. They have better sense.

These guys just make fools of themselves, and very often, their reputations are tarnished forever.....and women normally think....for what????

There is an old saying...."don't sh** where you eat." When you mix work and sex together it normally ends very badly. Many times it ends up in an employee leaving their job, an employee suing their employer, the entire office knowing about your personal sex life........ it is just a bad thing to do people. Not sure why so many people don't get this.

[withoutfeathers]

My post had less than a few dozen words in it.

How did you miss the word "adult"?I didn't. How did you miss my words "What next?"

[Roberts_the_man]

He gets on his show and the first thing he does is he jokes about it. (Wonder if his wife and kid think its hilarious.)
I am amazed out how so many men fall into this trap (how they are willing to give up their careers, families, respect, tons of money.....for sex). Women on the whole don't normally do stuff like this. They have better sense.

These guys just make fools of themselves, and very often, their reputations are tarnished forever.....and women normally think....for what????

There is an old saying...."don't sh** where you eat." When you mix work and sex together it normally ends very badly. Many times it ends up in an employee leaving their job, an employee suing their employer, the entire office knowing about your personal sex life........ it is just a bad thing to do people. Not sure why so many people don't get this.

If she's smart ....

It's real possible that his wife will be laughing all the way to the bank as she cashes all of those large alimony and child support checks once the shock of his trysts wears off !

[TaylorW65]

Gawd.....this place must be some kind of immersion lesson in projection.

It actually is!

[timjy]

Looks like he was talking from experience when he talked about palins daughter.Sleaze bag hypocrite.

[cj234]

this is really going to hurt lettermans chances of being elected......

No it just makes him look really stupid!! Slinging the same crap at everyone else, when he been sitting right in the middle of the bucket he dipped it from!! What a hypocrite!!

[bitterclingerincalif]

Letterman's always been nasty, but at a younger age, a man can pass such nastiness as humor, clever humor even. But from an old man, it all sounds curmudgeon-like at best.

[msny]

Having an affair hurts his credibility as a comedian? How is that?

Well, put 2 and 2 together.

When he cracks some off color sex jokes about
Palin or other people, hes pointing the finget at
himself.

Doesnt take a genius to do that math.

[Ironhide]

It hurts his credibility as a comedian, looks like the joke
is on him.
http://www.adicto.tv/wp-content/uploads/csi-miami-horatio-caine-sunglasses.jpg

[msny]

But comedians can be hypocrites without any issue. If the jokes are funny, the jokes are funny. If they are not, they are not.

You equate funny, with rude and obnoxious.

He deserves the scorn, being a philanderer
and joking about it. No joke for his poor wife
I bet.

..and no I dont watch trash TV, thank you, but
I caught his comments this morning.

[msny]

It is being "marketed" as this--him the victim. Don't you see that?

Sure he's a sleeze, always was after he signed in with that big contract a few years ago (seems he turned BLUE-coat liberal after that...hmmm).

Anyway, it seems he (and others) is/are milking the CRIME of extortion AGAINST HIM rather than WHAT HE DID to others.

Yet when he attacted other politicians on sex topics, the
"right" was blamed for making him the "victim".

The world is upside down and sideways for liberals.
They hear, see and know no fault for one of there own.

Bill, Bill Clinton you out there?

[Stardust]

He gets on his show and the first thing he does is he jokes about it. (Wonder if his wife and kid think its hilarious. Their lives will be forever altered from this.)

I am amazed out how so many men fall into this trap (how they are willing to give up their careers, families, respect, tons of money.....for sex). Women on the whole don't normally do stuff like this. They have better sense.

These guys just make fools of themselves, and very often, their reputations are tarnished forever.....and women normally think....for what????

There is an old saying...."don't sh** where you eat." When you mix work and sex together it normally ends very badly. Many times it ends up in an employee leaving their job, an employee suing their employer, the entire office knowing about your personal sex life........ it is just a bad thing to do people. Not sure why so many people don't get this.


If she's smart ....

It's real possible that his wife will be laughing all the way to the bank as she cashes all of those large alimony and child support checks once the shock of his trysts wears off !

No, I think the only person laughing is Sarah Palin. She was right all along about him, i.e., "that she wouldn't trust her own daughter with him".

[msny]

HE WAS a victim. Granted, he's a victim because he put himself in a position to be victimized, but to argue that he's NOT a victim of extortion is incorrect.

Or is extortion a GOOD thing to you?

Now thats a joke he would tell if he could...

"I did this to myself...:)):)):))"
Well....ya!

And now were all laughfting together..."hes a victim...:)):)):))"

I'll give you the same sympathy he gave Palins
daughter...."I'm sorry, it was a joke".

Unbeleivable double standard, dont you think?

[SFC(R)L]

Sarah Palin is now laughing her ass off.

snort

[Va-Oh]

HE WAS a victim. Granted, he's a victim because he put himself in a position to be victimized, but to argue that he's NOT a victim of extortion is incorrect.

Or is extortion a GOOD thing to you?


What would be good for me is to see Dave being on the receiving end of the "jokes", night after night after night!

[Vaard]

What would be good for me is to see Dave being on the receiving end of the "jokes", night after night after night!

he was making jokes about it himself when he was talking about it......

[BasicGreatGuy]

This is a trivial pursuits kind of thread.

[Va-Oh]

he was making jokes about it himself when he was talking about it......


No, I want other comedians to make fun of him night after night after night.

[Matthewobamahater]

I heard
1# This was before he was married to his wife...
2# Before his son was born...
3# In the woman that he had sex with was in her 30's.

I don't really have a problem and don't think really nothing of it as long as it was between two adults. What the hell are we turning into we right wingers that we have to have government get into to adult lifes and take freedom away.

I would understand if it was RAPE or if the girl was underage. But come on he should not go to jail or have any government matter in this. It should be between his wife and children. In we need to leave it at that.

[Matthewobamahater]

I don't want someone putting me in prison over having sex with another adult. So we have to be careful what we wish for, because it might come back to bit us. Limited government is what we need.

[BrittleBullet]

lol
Being a comedian involves a decent amount of hypocrisy. If comedians only lampooned things that they are completely above, there would be nothing to joke about.
This won't have an effect on Dave's career.

[TaylorW65]

Why aren't you guys talking about the guy that did the extorting ???????????
Geez!!!!!!! for got about him huh????????


A longtime CBS News producer has been indicted for allegedly attempting to extort $2 million from late night comedian David Letterman.

Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau announced the indictment Friday against Robert (Joe) Halderman, a 51-year-old producer of the true-crime show “48 Hours." Halderman, of Connecticut, is charged with one count of attempted grand larceny. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

[SFC(R)L]

Why aren't you guys talking about the guy that did the extorting ???????????
Geez!!!!!!! for got about him huh????????

because letterman brought this on himself, as you have.

[ArmyMAJretired]

How stupid was the blackmailer?

How the hell was he going to explain $2 million dollars on his taxes?

Other income: Gift from David Letterman.

[gloucon]

this would get a giant `who gives a #$^@ about this goober's love life:

but it does conjure the good ole days when skeevy old white guys hitting on younger women who work for them was disgusting, vile, unforgivable.....

and the superiority and distain he conjures to look down on Sarah P and her family makes this delicious.

[treadmill]

So, you think only "liberal males" ridicule other people? I'm pretty sure Limbaugh and Hannity ridicule other people, willfully, effectively, enthusiastically, and proudly. They enjoy a lot of fame a fortune for doing it. So when did they become liberals?



The difference between Sean and libs like letterman is that he has a much larger degree of personal integrity in his personal life. Philandering is rampant among liberals...especially the liberal elite.


Yup.....liberal males are "all about ego and power." Conservatives......are not? Liberals = bad, conservatives = good. Got it.


When it comes to how they relate to other people, that is exactly correct. The Letterman type of liberal talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. Its all about power and the clever one liner to them.


Those liberal male hooligans! Famed liberal male Congressman John Ensign, embroiled in increasing legal muck over his affair with a staffer, apparently proves your point about charisma and "getting some", along with ego and power. The liberal male thing? Not so much.


And....conservatives come out and condemn one of their own when they stray. Not so liberals....Polanski is a case in point. As for Letterman, one can just see the nods and winks aknowledging his "manliness" among lib elite males.




You didn't get the memo? Liberals are supposed to be obsessed with Palin. You got it backwards.


They are. Just pointing it out in my posting. :D

[treadmill]

Letterman has made a career out of ridiculing the private lives of other people, particularly those who do not share his left of center politics (Sarah Palin's daughter a case in point). In doing so, he had better live a squeaky clean lifestyle. If he doesn't, he deserves to be taken to the cleaners. His style of hypocracy is all too common among the jet setting liberal elite. Hate 'em. All of 'em!! I heard
1# This was before he was married to his wife...
2# Before his son was born...
3# In the woman that he had sex with was in her 30's.

I don't really have a problem and don't think really nothing of it as long as it was between two adults. What the hell are we turning into we right wingers that we have to have government get into to adult lifes and take freedom away.

I would understand if it was RAPE or if the girl was underage. But come on he should not go to jail or have any government matter in this. It should be between his wife and children. In we need to leave it at that.