(Thumbnail image from The Times)
“Now of course we get to what was it, was all the creepy stuff that he was going to put into the screenplay and the movie, and the creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who work for me on this show. Now my response to that is, 'Yes I have.'” (CBS)
CBS talk show host David Letterman is weathering a firestorm of publicity after announcing on his show that his sexual affairs have led to a $2 million extortion attempt against him. Letterman announced the revelations on a monologue on his show ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ Thursday night. His extortionist is allegedly top CBS producer Robert Joe Halderman.
News coverage is looking at the effects of Letterman’s openness as well as the hypocrisy of Letterman’s affairs. We get insight from Letterman’s own network CBS, as well as CNN, NBC, Washington Post, Howard Kurtz and Gawker.
CNN talked to psychologist Jeff Gardere on who he sees as the real losers in Letterman’s decision to go public.
“It’s embarrassing to him but how embarrassing is it going to be those female staffers who may be named in this thing? That’s where the real damage will come in, not to mention the fact that they may have been involved with him, sexual harassment, workplace issues and so on. So, this is a huge problem not just for Letterman but also for CBS.”
But when CBS News talked to publicist Michael Levine, his view was the best defense is a good offense for Letterman and the network.
“We’re living in a culture in which a rumor unanswered in 24 hours becomes truth and if there is any allegations that are leaked he has to and the district attorney will also have to make sure that their side of the story gets out and gets out forcefully.”
NBC Today’s Al Roker talked to legal correspondent Dan Abrams who has the perspective not only did Letterman do the right thing, but he could come out ahead.
“Some people say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Does this help him do you think ratings wise?” “Sure a little bit. The question is going to be what happens with these women. Do any of these women now come forward and say, 'I have a problem here. I have a problem with David Letterman.' If that doesn’t happen, I think you’re right. I think this could end up helping him as a matter of PR, recognition, the fact that he’s controversial, etc."
The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz appears to back Letterman, although raising the hypocrisy that the host makes a living making fun of people caught in affairs.
“How long before TV recycles Letterman’s jokes about Clinton and every other politician who’s had an affair? At least he went to the cops.”
Gawker follows Kurtz’s thinking with the headline: “Judging Potential Hypocrite David Letterman’s Sexy Extortion Scandal.” The blog says Letterman’s just as bad as Clinton and others he’s mocked because, just like them, he’s a person in power.
“…the fact that he screwed staffers should raise serious ethical questions, like ‘Did he use his power and influence to take advantage of the women?’ Even if he didn't do so intentionally, it's certainly possible that's the case and he's just as guilty as those he's lampooned.”
We want to know what you think. Is David Letterman a hypocrite? A victim? Even a potential predator in his own workplace?
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