Letterman’s sex affair launched a public debate

David Letterman’s sex affair opened a public discussion on relationships at work.

After ridiculing sexual affairs of politicians and other public figures for years, David Letterman, star of the ‘Late Night Show’ on American TV network CBS, is now exposed for behavior that is considered illegal in many work environments.  

Letterman horrified right-wing representatives

Conservative critics have expressed indignation over the actions of a comedian whose witty comments on Sarah Plain angered many right-wing supporters.

- There is irony. It is hard not to feel a certain satisfaction on the account of someone who has publicly insulted women in his monologues, who did it so constantly and repeatedly, particularly during the pre-election campaign, and who treated Sarah Palin and her family so poorly - Fox News TV commentator, Michelle Malkin said.

Blackmailer demanded two million U.S. dollars

Robert Joel Halderman, a CBS producer with 23 years of work experience and the author of the “48 Hours Mystery” was accused for attempted extortion on Friday. He is accused of leaving a letter in the back seat of Letterman’s car on September 9^th in which he threatened to publicly reveal his affair.

Letterman turned to his lawyer, who met Halderman (51) three times and gave him a fake check for two million dollars. He was arrested on Thursday afternoon in front of CBS headquarters in New York after depositing his fake check.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of extortion and he may be sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released after paying a $ 200.000 bail.

Leno made fun of Letterman

CBS issued a statement on Friday in which they approved a manner in which Letterman informed the public of his affair and attempted extortion.

Previously recorded show was broadcast on Friday evening, so the expected jokes on his own account were missing in the show.

However, other late night show hosts used the opportunity, so Jay Leno made a few jokes on Letterman’s account, including a reference to the audience in which he informed them that they entered a wrong studio if they expected to see sex between colleagues.

Admitting before an audience

Analysts have said that they do not expect that Letterman’s recognition will decrease his fan base.

- Dave’s audience is cynical. They may be a little disappointed with his stupidity, but they will continue to watch him - Kathy Sharpe, director of the New York marketing agency Sharpe Partners, said.

By opening up this issue during the program, Letterman has alleviated the damage and demonstrated his vulnerability, John Rash, an analyst with TV marketing agency Campbell Mithun in Minnesota said for The Los Angeles Times.

Women's Associations are horrified

Women’s associations criticized the manner in which Letterman announced his affair with the associate.

- I had sex with somebody who works in this show. Should I be embarrassed for publicly expressing that? Maybe I should; especially if I was the woman - said Letterman on Thursday night causing a wave of laughter in the audience.

- It's the same old stereotype that men can do whatever they want, while women must be ashamed of their sexuality. We are disgusted by these Hollywood men who think that they can do whatever they want - said Erin Matson, vice president of the National women's organizations, which called Letterman’s statement offensive.

His ratings are still growing

This incident comes at the time when his ratings are growing. Letterman’s show has averaged around five million viewers, or 28 percent more than last year.