Late-night talk show host David Letterman revealed to his audience on Thursday that he had been the target of an alleged extortion plot and admitted to engaging in s**ual relationships with multiple members of his staff, according to a statement released by his production company.
During the taping of the “Late Show,” Letterman stunned his viewers with the announcement.
He confessed that he had recently testified before a grand jury regarding the matter.
The 62-year-old comedian disclosed that three weeks ago, he received a package from an individual who claimed to possess incriminating information about his s**ual encounters.
This person demanded a hefty sum of $2 million in order to keep the details private.
Letterman promptly took action upon receiving the package, immediately reporting the incident to the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
An investigation ensued, resulting in an arrest earlier on the same day as the announcement.
In his testimony before the grand jury, Letterman openly acknowledged his involvement with members of his staff.
He admitted, “Yes, I have” engaged in these relationships.
While he recognized the potential embarrassment if this information were to become public, he emphasized his desire to protect the individuals involved, as well as his own family.
The specific timeframe of these s**ual encounters with staffers remains unknown.
However, it is worth noting that Letterman tied the knot with his longtime partner, Regina Lasko, in March.
The couple has been together since 1986 and shares a six-year-old son named Harry.
Having hosted the “Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS since 1993, after leaving NBC's “Late Night with David Letterman” where he helmed the show for 11 years, Letterman has become a beloved figure in late-night television.
The “Late Show” airs