David Letterman Blackmailed Over Alleged Affairs

Dispatches from the industry that spawned Roman Polanski; Michelle Malkin links to an article in Variety that notes:

In an uncharacteristically personal revelation for David Letterman, the host took to his “Late Show” stage Thursday to admit that he was the victim of an extortion attempt — and acknowledge that he has had sexual relations with more than one staff member.

According to a press release sent by Letterman’s PR reps, the host first received a package three weeks ago from someone who claimed to have information about alleged sexual relations he has had with female employees of the “Late Show.”

The individual threatened to go public with the allegations unless Letterman paid him $2 million.

Letterman told his audience on Thursday that he contacted the Manhattan District Attorney’s Special Prosecution Bureau. That led to a sting operation, in which Letterman met with the individual and handed the person a fake $2 million check. That person was arrested on Thursday.

“This morning, I did something I’ve never done in my life,” Letterman said on Thursday’s edition of CBS’ “Late Show.” “I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury.”

As part of the testimony, Letterman admitted that he had engaged 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,” Letterman said. “I feel like I need to protect these people — I need to certainly protect my family.”

Of course, other people’s families are fair game for attack.

Update: Found Via Hot Air, Radar magazine claims: “EXCLUSIVE: Man Arrested For Extortion Lived With Woman Who Slept With Letterman.”

Update: More from TMZ and Newsbusters.

Update: Greg Pollowitz quips, “This certainly gives new meaning to the name of Dave’s production company, ‘Worldwide Pants.'” Glenn Reynolds adds, “Upside for Letterman: Compared to Polanski, he doesn’t look as bad. . . .”