View Full Version : letterman admitts to affairs
Just saw on Anderson Cooper, this bit of news about "jokster" Letterman. David Letterman admitts to affairs with staffers. I am not surprised. In the end, quoting Jack Parr "folks do tear their own tinfoil" and looks like Dave, who just married the mother of his son in March of this year, has torn his. I still boycott him, CBS and Letterman's sponsers since his "jokes" about the Governor's daughters. No amount of apology will take away the fact that he made horrible notations about a Sitting Governor, her young daughters and not only did he laugh about it so did some folks who not only thought it okay but laughed. Is Dave still laughing? Was the Grand Jury experience fun, Dave?
incidentally
10-02-2009, 12:35 AM
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2009/10/01/2009-10-01_david_letterman_reveals_extortion_plot_con_man_ wanted_2m_for_sex_secrets.html
daniel green
10-02-2009, 12:56 AM
UPDATE: 10:30 PM ET: TMZ has learned the identity of the alleged extortionist who was arrested today. His name is Robert Halderman. He's 51 years old and lives in Norwalk, CT. Halderman has a business in Manhattan, where he was arrested today. David Letterman says someone has demanded $2 million from him in return for not blowing the lid on Letterman's sexual liaisons in his office. Letterman said on his show tonight he received a package 3 weeks ago from someone claiming to have info about sexual escapades between Letterman and some female employees on his staff. According to Nikki Finke the individual said Letterman would have to pay $2 million to keep the info secret. Letterman went on to say he contacted the Special Prosecution Bureau of the Manhattan D.A.'s office. He said the D.A. investigated and cut a phony $2 million check to the alleged extortionist who was arrested today.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0SkOorUJs
What? You didn't like his joke? He did apologize and Palin got more publicity. In any case extortion isn't cool, and I applaud Dave for going to the authorities.
:smile:
No, I did not like the "joke" and clearly sometimes an apology is not enough.
First Bob Barker and now Dave???
Seriously though... I love Letterman. He's a man and we all know men are not perfect. In this day and age who really cares if someone has an affair? Consenting adults.
Well, its the thing about sexual relations with staff who are underlings in the Organizational Structure that Letterman heads up. Some, maybe many, would call it sexual harrassment. Most have harrassment classes in their jobs. What would the teachers say about this event?
disneyfreak
10-02-2009, 02:05 AM
First Bob Barker and now Dave???
Seriously though... I love Letterman. He's a man and we all know men are not perfect. In this day and age who really cares if someone has an affair? Consenting adults.
It wasn't just an affair. It was sexual relations with women who were on his staff.
disneyfreak
10-02-2009, 02:08 AM
Well, its the thing about sexual relations with staff who are underlings in the Organizational Structure that Letterman heads up. Some, maybe many, would call it sexual harrassment cause Dave is the boss. IMO.
Yeap. My point exactly. You said it better though. For women in male dominated professions, situations like this make us even more uncomfortable when it is talked about at the water cooler (which it will be tomorrow).
fastpitch
10-02-2009, 08:40 AM
Here is a respected entertainer in a long standing (now married) relationship to the father of his son. I know of no organizations that allow you to sleep with the staff.
Now that it is out in the open, expect lawsuits from the women involved.
I wonder what his dear mother must think and his 6 YO son?
I hope the Tonight Show is canceled. He is a creep. moo
Amy S.
10-02-2009, 08:48 AM
I noted that he said he had sex with "women." He didn't say "a woman."
So, one is left to believe that there could be many women.
His wife will have to be concerned about STDs.
Perhaps they have an open marriage?
I wonder if he fathered any children?
Isn't he 60ish, with a heart problem? The old boy would need help in the bedroom department, I would think. moo
Dunlurken
10-02-2009, 10:56 AM
Oh for Pete's sakes! These women obviously had no problem or else they would have come forward before now and "extorted" him themselves. Sex between two consenting adults is not a crime, don't care if you're married or not.
The fact that he is the head of an organization (not a political figure) is not important. If the women want to sue him, sobeit.
I'm glad the extortionist is in jail. Hey, give me $2 million or I will rat you out. How sad what this world has come to. JMO.
Hang in there Dave. You did the right thing, just like Travolta, instead of paying the bucks. Maybe now people will stop "preying" on celebrities.
fastpitch
10-02-2009, 11:23 AM
Not so fast.
Have you ever tried to work in a workplace where someone is sleeping with the boss? Let alone, more than one person? What a toxic environment.
Families are affected, salaries, day to day work assignments and if you refuse to sleep with the boss, guess what that gets you?
It is hard to find work, let alone if you rat out David Letterman.
He has got to go.
I see nothing noble about reporting an extortion plot to authorities and don't see why Letterman should be applauded for it. He can have sex with anyone he can talk into it, but it shows a lack of character and morals.
True that consenting adults can do whatever they wish, but this continued acceptance of bad behavior is not a good thing for our society.
Oh for Pete's sakes! These women obviously had no problem or else they would have come forward before now and "extorted" him themselves. Sex between two consenting adults is not a crime, don't care if you're married or not.
The fact that he is the head of an organization (not a political figure) is not important. If the women want to sue him, sobeit.
I'm glad the extortionist is in jail. Hey, give me $2 million or I will rat you out. How sad what this world has come to. JMO.
Hang in there Dave. You did the right thing, just like Travolta, instead of paying the bucks. Maybe now people will stop "preying" on celebrities.
I agree. Although Dave is now married, he hasn't been for long. We don't know when these sexual encounters happened. Perhaps he was not married then. People do cheat on their girlfriend/boyfriend. And he could have been estranged from his girlfriend when these encounters happened too. We have no way to know this.
I don't think this makes Dave a bad person. Many people have affairs that you would never think was possible. It doesn't make them a horrible person. (Remember all those years that Dave resisted marriage and no one knew why. He was really harrassed by many guests to get married. Maybe he knew WHY he didn't want to get married. Hard to believe his girlfriend didn't know too.)
I respect Dave for going public. He is such an intensely private person that it must have taken all he had to fight this rather than just paying the money to make it go away.
I guess now we just wait to see what those women have to say.
GMTminus6
10-02-2009, 11:37 AM
Here is a respected entertainer in a long standing (now married) relationship to the father of his son. I know of no organizations that allow you to sleep with the staff.
Now that it is out in the open, expect lawsuits from the women involved.
I wonder what his dear mother must think and his 6 YO son?
I hope the Tonight Show is canceled. He is a creep. mooI believe the long standing relationship is with the mother of his son. :laugh:
need2no
10-02-2009, 11:56 AM
He told the audience, "Regina and I began dating in February of 1986, and I said, 'Well, things are going pretty good, let's just see what happens in about ten years.'"
http://www.theinsider.com/news/1886337_David_Letterman_on_Surprise_Wedding#atuid-49d2f03d0d778901
Pic of David, Regina, and Harry:
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2009/03/david-letterman-married-regina-lasko-wedding.jpg
First Bob Barker and now Dave???
Bob Barker was sued so many times, it was outrageous. He was a crude man.
He was judgment proof, because you can bet his contract stated ANY suit which is filed and settled/adjudicated against him would be paid by CBS, plus the time it took to get a civil suit to commence in LA was years, criminal cases took precedent.
Ever notice many of his girls were playboy playmates, including Janice Pennington, this was no coincidence!!
I watched the E true hollywood story about it and this woman said after 4 or 5 of the staff members testified from a subpeona order, the next day they were all fired! In HER words "somebody has to stop this man"! I don't think she was making things up.
Holly Hallstrom, who I just adored, also sued him for various causes of actions, as did Diane Parkinson, yet CBS names the studio after him??
Mimi428
10-02-2009, 12:53 PM
Well, its the thing about sexual relations with staff who are underlings in the Organizational Structure that Letterman heads up. Some, maybe many, would call it sexual harrassment. Most have harrassment classes in their jobs. What would the teachers say about this event?
I guess it would depend on the specifics. Have you read anything to indicate that Letterman's behavior(s) fit the definition of sexual harrassment? All I have read so far is that he has had sex with staff members. That, in & of itself, isn't sexual harrassment. Unless & until one or more people come forward to claim the sex was coerced, I can't see how Letterman could be considered another Bob Barker.
Time will tell, I suppose.
JMO
sinagua
10-02-2009, 12:54 PM
What if Letterman was a woman, that was sleeping with staff? Say he was Katy Couric. Would it be OK, then?
People need some morals.
Mimi428
10-02-2009, 12:58 PM
Not so fast.
Have you ever tried to work in a workplace where someone is sleeping with the boss? Let alone, more than one person? What a toxic environment.
Families are affected, salaries, day to day work assignments and if you refuse to sleep with the boss, guess what that gets you?
It is hard to find work, let alone if you rat out David Letterman.
He has got to go.
Worse boss I think I ever had was one who was married. He wasn't having sex w/anyone at work, but I can tell you every person working anywhere near him would suffer tremendously when he & his wife were not having relations. (I'll spare you the details of how we all knew)
Work environments can be toxic. Sex can be one of reasons why. Sexual harrassment is a terrible problem to have to deal with in the workplace.
But I still haven't read/heard anything indicating the Letterman situation was one involving sexual harrassment.
JMO
Justice4all
10-02-2009, 01:49 PM
I noted that he said he had sex with "women." He didn't say "a woman."
So, one is left to believe that there could be many women.
His wife will have to be concerned about STDs.
Perhaps they have an open marriage?
I wonder if he fathered any children?
Isn't he 60ish, with a heart problem? The old boy would need help in the bedroom department, I would think. moo
He had sex with them women BEFORE he was married. In fact it was before his son was born SIX years ago. The lady didn't complain it was her ex boyfriend that read it in her diary....
http://www.tmz.com/
sinagua
10-02-2009, 02:06 PM
I watched his statement last night and he did not say when the "sex" happened. I suspect they were in the last 20 years, though and that he had been with his "partner" at least that long.
Were the females married?
Xenam
10-02-2009, 02:53 PM
I could care less about Letterman's affairs. Appears to be between consensual adults. The only person questioning the affairs should be his wife since their relationship has been about 23 years or so. We also don't know what kind of agreement they had during their relationship -- maybe they were allowed to see other people and don't care.
Blackmail is not excusable and is a crime and I am glad that he is pursuing charges. JMO
Firehead11
10-02-2009, 03:17 PM
I could care less about Letterman's affairs. Appears to be between consensual adults. The only person questioning the affairs should be his wife since their relationship has been about 23 years or so. We also don't know what kind of agreement they had during their relationship -- maybe they were allowed to see other people and don't care.
Blackmail is not excusable and is a crime and I am glad that he is pursuing charges. JMO
I agree. :thumbsup:
daniel green
10-02-2009, 03:22 PM
We've learned Robert "Joe" Halderman was arrested yesterday outside the CBS headquarters in NYC, and it was news to the people inside who make the news. Our sources say the Manhattan D.A. played the investigation close to the vest and people inside the building were baffled when the highly-respected producer was cuffed and hauled off in the David Letterman extortion case. As we already reported Halderman had a relationship with Stephanie Birkitt and lived with her. But we're told they had broken up "recently." We do not know who ended the relationship, but Halderman allegedly was in possession of Birkitt's diary, correspondence and photos -- which he says incriminated Letterman. People connected with the network tell us Letterman did have a relationship with Birkitt, but the word is that it ended before Letterman had his baby in 2003.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0Snuod4ON
daniel green
10-02-2009, 03:26 PM
Stephanie Birkitt, the woman used by Robert Halderman without her knowledge at the center of the David Letterman extortion plot, met Halderman at CBS about 15 years ago, a source close to the situation tells RadarOnline.com exclusively. At the time, Halderman was in one of his two past marriages, and our source says Halderman did not have a relationship with Birkitt at that time.
Birkitt later got a job on Letterman’s show and has worked there for more than a decade, often appearing on air. Our source tells RadarOnline.com that Birkitt and Letterman slept together for a period of time before he married his girlfriend Regina had their son Harry.
After Halderman divorced, the source says he got involved with Stephanie and she lived with him in Connecticut. The source says Birkitt told Halderman that she had had sex with Letterman.
Our source says Birkitt is mortified Halderman is using her fling with Letterman to blackmail her boss.
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/10/exclusive-details-woman-center-letterman-extortion-plot
So this Halderman (extortionist) sent Letterman a script and then tried to blackmail him? :rolleyes:
Glad he was arrested.
airportwoman
10-02-2009, 03:33 PM
I could care less about Letterman's affairs. Appears to be between consensual adults. The only person questioning the affairs should be his wife since their relationship has been about 23 years or so. We also don't know what kind of agreement they had during their relationship -- maybe they were allowed to see other people and don't care.
Blackmail is not excusable and is a crime and I am glad that he is pursuing charges. JMO
I agree.
Wasn't his first wife a writer for his show in its early years?
Oh for Pete's sakes! These women obviously had no problem or else they would have come forward before now and "extorted" him themselves. Sex between two consenting adults is not a crime, don't care if you're married or not.
The fact that he is the head of an organization (not a political figure) is not important. If the women want to sue him, sobeit.
I'm glad the extortionist is in jail. Hey, give me $2 million or I will rat you out. How sad what this world has come to. JMO.
Hang in there Dave. You did the right thing, just like Travolta, instead of paying the bucks. Maybe now people will stop "preying" on celebrities.
Exactly. I find it rather fascinating that the majority here don't have anything bad to say about the criminal who blackmailed him.
IMO
Exactly. I find it rather fascinating that the majority here don't have anything bad to say about the criminal who blackmailed him.
IMO
The DA will take care of the criminal. He is caught, in the jail place and will have his trial. Dave was having affairs with some of his employees. Don't care about affair(s) but care a lot about sexual harrassment in the work place. Dave is such a jokster, I have no doubt he is laughing the hardest about the jokes, going around.
Justice4all
10-02-2009, 04:59 PM
I agree.
Wasn't his first wife a writer for his show in its early years?
DL and his first wife were married from 1969–1977 ...Did DL have a show back then?
daniel green
10-02-2009, 05:21 PM
Robert "Joe" Halderman -- the man accused of trying to extort David Letterman out of $2 million -- had to pay a pretty penny in child support, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. According to the divorce settlement agreement he signed with ex-wife Patty Montet in 2004, the "48 Hours" producer was required to pay $6,800 a month in child and spousal support for three years. That amount was reduced to $5,966.66 in May 2007. Their house was sold and the proceeds divided during the divorce. And the credit card bills, totaling approximately $13,500, were split down the middle. Halderman agreed to pay for the unreimbursed medical bills for his two children. He was also required to maintain life insurance. The agreement also provided that the court would have the power to order payment of the children's college education by either parent. One of the children is now 18 -- college age. The other child is 11. The wife -- Patty Montet -- filed for divorce on grounds the marriage was "broken down irretrievably."
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2009/10/02/david-letterman-extortionist-child-support/#ixzz0SoOhK0Ih
daniel green
10-02-2009, 05:22 PM
Don't care about affair(s) but care a lot about sexual harrassment in the work place. snipped.
This was not sexual harrassment.
The DA will take care of the criminal. He is caught, in the jail place and will have his trial. Dave was having affairs with some of his employees. Don't care about affair(s) but care a lot about sexual harrassment in the work place. Dave is such a jokster, I have no doubt he is laughing the hardest about the jokes, going around.
Since there has been zero evidence of sexual harassment, i believe that people should support the victim and attack the criminal when discussing a crime.
Which is what this is. Blackmail/extortion.
imo
Citygirl
10-02-2009, 06:00 PM
Since there has been zero evidence of sexual harassment, i believe that people should support the victim and attack the criminal when discussing a crime.
Which is what this is. Blackmail/extortion.
imo
I so agree with this. If any of the women had felt "harassed" they would have come forward before now..they have had years to speak out if it had not been consenting..
This blackmailer stole his girlfriends personal diary? What a lousy creep..I hope he pays dearly..just as he intended Dave to do, even tho Dave committed no crime..
norwood
10-02-2009, 07:43 PM
No, I did not like the "joke" and clearly sometimes an apology is not enough.
I am afraid that I wil have to disagree that sometimes an apology is not enough. Especially when you are speaking of someone that is an extreme publicity hound like the Ex-Governor.
birdwatch
10-02-2009, 07:53 PM
He told the audience, "Regina and I began dating in February of 1986, and I said, 'Well, things are going pretty good, let's just see what happens in about ten years.'"
http://www.theinsider.com/news/1886337_David_Letterman_on_Surprise_Wedding#atuid-49d2f03d0d778901
Pic of David, Regina, and Harry:
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/famecrawler/2009/03/david-letterman-married-regina-lasko-wedding.jpg
Oh dear - I know this is O/T but my goodness would someone please recommend Regina to "what not to wear" to be introduced to a good bra and some comfortable, but decent clothes? I know she looks like most of us on the weekend - but most of us are not married to someone who might be photographed at any time. Oh well - mea culpa.
I support Dave - and he seems to be handling this issue well. I was surprised and sad to hear that the blackmailer turns out to be a respected producer who simply stole his girlfriends journal. What a snake!
I so agree with this. If any of the women had felt "harassed" they would have come forward before now..they have had years to speak out if it had not been consenting..
This blackmailer stole his girlfriends personal diary? What a lousy creep..I hope he pays dearly..just as he intended Dave to do, even tho Dave committed no crime..
Of course, the fact that Letterman had the power to increase or decrease their pay, hire them or fire them has no bearing on their decisions. That is what sexual harassment in the workplace is all about.
Justice4all
10-02-2009, 09:34 PM
Of course, the fact that Letterman had the power to increase or decrease their pay, hire them or fire them has no bearing on their decisions. That is what sexual harassment in the workplace is all about.
How do you know DL had that kind of power? wouldn't that be up to the network not DL?
Rucky*Ron
10-02-2009, 11:15 PM
How do you know DL had that kind of power? wouldn't that be up to the network not DL?
You know, sometimes it's just about s-e-x.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Some women (don't freak, I didn't say all) throw themselves at 'stars' in order to feel important.
Before I get jumped, let me just say, if it is found the sex was coerced Letterman should pay the price.
If it was simply sex for sex sake, I say let it go.
This post isn't 'to you' Justice, Just a jump off post. :)
MOO
How do you know DL had that kind of power? wouldn't that be up to the network not DL?
Well, olde Dave is the TALENT and as the talent, he gets what he wants. Everyone else associated with the show can be replaced. I believe Dave did say "yes" when asked did he have sexual relations with "his" staff.
daniel green
10-03-2009, 01:54 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33147348/ns/entertainment-television/
Irish Eyes
10-03-2009, 09:58 AM
Oh for Pete's sakes! These women obviously had no problem or else they would have come forward before now and "extorted" him themselves. Sex between two consenting adults is not a crime, don't care if you're married or not.
The fact that he is the head of an organization (not a political figure) is not important. If the women want to sue him, sobeit.
I'm glad the extortionist is in jail. Hey, give me $2 million or I will rat you out. How sad what this world has come to. JMO.
Hang in there Dave. You did the right thing, just like Travolta, instead of paying the bucks. Maybe now people will stop "preying" on celebrities.
I definitely agree! Has anyone noticed the eerie resemblance of this guy (alleged extortionist) to the BTK murderer?
Mimi428
10-03-2009, 10:44 AM
Since there has been zero evidence of sexual harassment, i believe that people should support the victim and attack the criminal when discussing a crime.
Which is what this is. Blackmail/extortion.
imo
Hear, hear. ITA
:beer:
The person arrested & charged with a crime isn't Letterman & as of right now, nothing I have read indicates that DL was coercing anyone to have sex with him.
I'm wondering what sort of defense Haldeman will have to offer. I just don't know how the heck his attorney will be able to explain away the demands for money.
Dunlurken
10-03-2009, 10:55 AM
Hear, hear. ITA
:beer:
The person arrested & charged with a crime isn't Letterman & as of right now, nothing I have read indicates that DL was coercing anyone to have sex with him.
I'm wondering what sort of defense Haldeman will have to offer. I just don't know how the heck his attorney will be able to explain away the demands for money.
What did Haldeman say last night? Oh, I remember..... we haven't heard the whole story. Haldeman needs to sit down and shut up! Leave Letterman alone. I feel really bad for him. I notice he only married his long time companion Regina about a year ago.
This is so ludicrous, makes me want to spit! :mad:
R~O~S
10-03-2009, 12:19 PM
Of course, the fact that Letterman had the power to increase or decrease their pay, hire them or fire them has no bearing on their decisions. That is what sexual harassment in the workplace is all about.
& as far as I know there's been not a single accusation of such. In fact it was Dave who went to the authorities and worked with them to get the evidence needed to make this arrest. In doing so he knew all of his office relationships would have to be revealed.
I can think of a few politicians that should have taken the same course of action.
I doubt Dave had the last word on salary regarding staff members, the top dog usually leaves that to someone else and stays far removed from it so they don't have the personal entanglements of them.
Relationship contracts in the work place are fairly common today, co-workers sign them releasing the company from liability should the relationship go sour. I'd expect Dave has a few in his files.
He may have a say in who's going to be his assistant, he may even get to make a performance evaluation. So does my manager, but she has to back up her recommendation with tangible rational, she doesn't get to give me a 50% pay increase because we're best friends and I'm sure upper management scrutinizes her recommendation more thoroughly because of it.
If someone is climbing the corporate ladder by watching the ceiling, it's of no concern to me as long as my salary is fairly evaluated based on my job performance within the parameters of the job description. If they're making more than me, because they're willing to engage in extra curricular activities, it simply doesn't matter. If their salary is inflated, it's temporary at best, either you have the skills to maintain it, or not.
Dave's personal relationships are his business. If someone feels victimized, there's certainly recourse available to them, yet there don't seem to be any out of court settlements or unresolved complaints. I think we'd be hearing all about them by now if there were.
If his spouse doesn't have an issue with his personal behavior, it's not for us to dictate. I expect he's got health insurance and a fairly good understanding of safe sex practices & again, that would be his spouses concern, not ours.
Given the likes of Bill O'Reilly and Howard Stern are still on the air & the Hollywood elite are publicly supporting the admitted pedophile Roman Polanski, I'm having a tough time condemning Dave.
StarShine
10-03-2009, 12:54 PM
so sad that everything seems to be accepted in this society!! Oh well...
:thumbdown:
juliekan
10-03-2009, 01:16 PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/hoffman/6649851.html
It's not so funny when Letterman's the joke
This is a good article
veracruz
10-03-2009, 01:17 PM
DL and his first wife were married from 1969–1977 ...Did DL have a show back then?
After his divorce, DL started dating Meryl Markoff. (sp). They eventually lived together and she became the head writer when he began his first late night show on NBC.
They broke up after abiout 8 years and he then started dating Regina about 23 years ago. They recently got married.
I'm truly shocked that someone of Letterman's stature only dates women whom he meets at work. :confused: Didn't he ever socialize?
There's alot more to this story. A boss having consensual sex with a staffer is just not that unusual. Did he do something wrong?
imo
juliekan
10-03-2009, 01:39 PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/hoffman/6649851.html
It's not so funny when Letterman's the joke
This is a good article
Veracruz, here's a quote from this article that sounds like what you're saying
A friend told me, “There are 100 million women in America over the age of 18. He probably employs about 50 of them. He couldn't find anybody else?”
Veracruz, here's a quote from this article that sounds like what you're saying
A friend told me, “There are 100 million women in America over the age of 18. He probably employs about 50 of them. He couldn't find anybody else?”
Excellent point. :thumbsup:
I disagree. Bosses who open themselves up to sexual harassment charges by persuing a staffer are few and far between in the my world and usually bounced out from the firm ASAP. The Company does not like sexual harassment charges or the settlements they can bring. Yes, I know Letterman did not get any and I suggest its cause those gals wanted to hang onto their jobs.
veracruz
10-03-2009, 06:11 PM
Veracruz, here's a quote from this article that sounds like what you're saying
A friend told me, “There are 100 million women in America over the age of 18. He probably employs about 50 of them. He couldn't find anybody else?”
Thanks, Julie.
The only thing I can think of is that maybe he is so insecure he doesn.t think that anyone woukd sleep with him except his subordinates. :confused:
imo
veracruz
10-03-2009, 06:13 PM
Excellent point. :thumbsup:
I disagree. Bosses who open themselves up to sexual harassment charges by persuing a staffer are few and far between in the my world and usually bounced out from the firm ASAP. The Company does not like sexual harassment charges or the settlements they can bring. Yes, I know Letterman did not get any and I suggest its cause those gals wanted to hang onto their jobs.
So far there has been no report of sexual harassment.
imo
Xenam
10-03-2009, 10:27 PM
So far there has been no report of sexual harassment.
imo
There is also no evidence of sexual harassment. I would venture to guess when one is a workaholic as reported Letterman is chances are the opportunity to meet women would occur in the workplace and unless that relationship bears a threat it is not sexual harrassment. Appears to me the relationships were mutual and consensual unless someone involved comes forward and claims otherwise. Does anyone know if these women actually reported directly to Letterman or had managers/supervisors in between? Just because someone is on Staff doesn't mean they reported directly to Letterman not that it really matters if the relationships again were without any form of threat to their job. JMHO
"Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment."
http://www.eeoc.gov/types/sexual_harassment.html
There is also no evidence of sexual harassment. I would venture to guess when one is a workaholic as reported Letterman is chances are the opportunity to meet women would occur in the workplace and unless that relationship bears a threat it is not sexual harrassment. Appears to me the relationships were mutual and consensual unless someone involved comes forward and claims otherwise. Does anyone know if these women actually reported directly to Letterman or had managers/supervisors in between? Just because someone is on Staff doesn't mean they reported directly to Letterman not that it really matters if the relationships again were without any form of threat to their job. JMHO
"Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment."
http://www.eeoc.gov/types/sexual_harassment.html
Sure looks like the definition of sexual harassment when a boss has relations with a staffer.
Justice4all
10-04-2009, 01:48 AM
Sure looks like the definition of sexual harassment when a boss has relations with a staffer.
What if she was the one that made the first move? What if she hit on him?
withay
10-04-2009, 02:09 AM
I think that it is never a good idea to have sex with someone you work with, regardless of if either one is a supervisor or not. But it is not necessarily harassment. Knowing Lettermen trolled for partners at work does not make me respect him. However refusing to let someone blackmail him for his actions does make me think more of him. Instead of trying to hide what he did and pay someone off, he manned up and is facing the consequences. Good for him!
juliekan
10-04-2009, 03:05 AM
Thanks, Julie.
The only thing I can think of is that maybe he is so insecure he doesn.t think that anyone woukd sleep with him except his subordinates. :confused:
imo
You know the strangest thing is that until this am, and I read the paper, I didn't know that anyone knew who the woman involved was. I actually used to watch him when "the intern" first started there, and he had special stuff he did on the show where she would be on stage. I remember thinking he was being awfully nice to an intern (I was used to seeing angry Dave).
R~O~S
10-04-2009, 11:02 AM
Sure looks like the definition of sexual harassment when a boss has relations with a staffer.
It's not harrassment unless one of the parties involved in the relationship complains, or suffers employment consequences for ending the relationship.
I think it's hilarious you believe you can determine harassment just because a relationship exists. Yet, none of the people involved are complaining even after this information came out.
I wouldn't have been surprised if someone had come forward after the fact. Additional acquaintance rape victims will often come forward only after the first victim has the courage to do so, because the rapist is someone with authority over them. But that didn't happen here. These were consensual relationships.
It's not possible for a third party to be harassed by a relationship between the boss and a coworker.
Only if the boss were to press the third party for sexual favors or favoritism were so common and widespread that upward mobility were only possible by way of submission would they be harassed.
Even then, it's rather difficult to prove unless only the women who engaged in such relationships were promoted, a single case of favoritism wouldn't cut it.
http://www.nixonpeabody.com/publications_detail3.asp?ID=2181
A 2005 survey by CareerBuilder.com revealed that 56% of U.S. employees had dated a coworker during their careers, and 25% of those surveyed admitted to dating a superior. Not all of these relationships can be characterized as “office flings” either, as 22% of respondents in Vault’s 2005 Office Romance Survey reported having met their spouse or significant other on the job. Of course not all office relationships end happily ever after for employees—or their employers. Cupid does not always play fair, and alas, workplace romances can place employers at serious risk of discrimination and sexual harassment lawsuits.
Hey Paula
10-04-2009, 11:19 AM
I think Letterman is a misogynist, based upon the despicable remarks he made about Governor Palin's daughter and the crude ones he made about the Governor herself.
Even while making jokes about his sexual escapades with female subordinates, he quipped that revelations might be embarrassing for THEM. Apparently, he isn't ashamed of his own behavior.
Whether or not a quid pro quo was a factor in those instances, the fact is that Letterman wielded his power for sexual favors, and that in and of itself is wrong and counterproductive to any work environment.
I believe he should be fired, but based upon the actions of his thus far seemingly dismissive audience, he will likely be allowed to continue his boorish behavior and tasteless jokes.
IMO
enigma™
10-04-2009, 12:28 PM
I think Letterman is a misogynist, based upon the despicable remarks he made about Governor Palin's daughter and the crude ones he made about the Governor herself.
Even while making jokes about his sexual escapades with female subordinates, he quipped that revelations might be embarrassing for THEM. Apparently, he isn't ashamed of his own behavior.
Whether or not a quid pro quo was a factor in those instances, the fact is that Letterman wielded his power for sexual favors, and that in and of itself is wrong and counterproductive to any work environment.
I believe he should be fired, but based upon the actions of his thus far seemingly dismissive audience, he will likely be allowed to continue his boorish behavior and tasteless jokes.
IMO
Please provide proof he "weilded his power for sexual favors". Is is not possible his subordinates came on to him, in hopes it would enhance their careers?
R~O~S
10-04-2009, 12:39 PM
Please provide proof he "weilded his power for sexual favors". Is is not possible his subordinates came on to him, in hopes it would enhance their careers?
I don't think we even know they were subordinates. Women working for the network are not necessarily David's subordinates even if they work his show. His personal assistant would likely be considered a subordinate. The camerawoman, the girl on the mixer board, the make up artist, those would be network employees. I've never understood why anyone would take a position of "personal assistant" for someone who behaved in an opportunistic fashion. I'm not likely to enjoy a job that leaves me constantly trying to fend off a pig. Given I spend a third of my life working, I'm going to find a job that's not akin to combat.
I'd also like to see the proof so much as one of these women were anything but willing participants currently feeling they'd like their involvement not to be made public, because they have outside personal relationships of their own they'd like to protect or simply because not everyone wants their entire life put on nationally public display.
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20091003/ten-entertainment-us-letterman-extortion-db3f2d5.html
The popular host of "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS stunned viewers on Thursday by admitting he had sex with female subordinates, saying he went to the authorities after receiving a package threatening to reveal the details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Pants_Incorporated
"Worldwide Pants Incorporated is an American television and film production company owned by comedian and talk show host David Letterman. Its on-going productions are Late Show with David Letterman (1993-present) and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005-present)."
Thanks for the information. Very informative. The Boss has relations with subordinates. Who knows what if any private settlements are being made, now.
Hey Paula
10-04-2009, 01:24 PM
Please provide proof he "weilded his power for sexual favors". Is is not possible his subordinates came on to him, in hopes it would enhance their careers?
Being a superior is an automatic power position. By DL's own admission, this didn't happen with only one female subordinate. And, even if one or more of the women "came on to him", his behavior is still reckless and of the caliber which could open his network to possible lawsuits. Did DL make these women feel their jobs were dependent upon their submissiveness? We might never learn the answer to that question unless their identities and testimonies are required at Halderman's trial, i.e., if he doesn't eventually take a plea deal.
IMO
Hey Paula
10-04-2009, 01:26 PM
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20091003/ten-entertainment-us-letterman-extortion-db3f2d5.html
The popular host of "Late Show with David Letterman" on CBS stunned viewers on Thursday by admitting he had sex with female subordinates, saying he went to the authorities after receiving a package threatening to reveal the details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_Pants_Incorporated
"Worldwide Pants Incorporated is an American television and film production company owned by comedian and talk show host David Letterman. Its on-going productions are Late Show with David Letterman (1993-present) and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2005-present)."
Thanks for posting the links, Zibar!
daniel green
10-04-2009, 01:32 PM
I watched the entire 10 min monologue Letterman gave to the audience and not one time did he say subordinates. He said women who work for the show.
As to this entire event, I could not agree more with this:
There's a famous moment in Mad Men where ambitious Pete Campbell, who's figured out Don Draper isn't who he says he was, spills his boss' Dick Whitman secret to Sterling & Cooper's senior partner. The senior partner mulls the disclosure, and then dismisses it.
"Mr. Campbell," says Bert Cooper, "who cares?"
David Letterman's real-life sex scandal is nothing at all like Don Draper's fictional identity crisis.
And yet, just maybe, our reaction should be the same at Bert Cooper's.
Who cares?
http://www.eonline.com/
GentleBreeze
10-04-2009, 02:11 PM
I am trying to figure how why women would even want to have an affair with Letterman. He is about the least sexy guy I have ever seen. Imo, he is very close to being downright homely. So it must be to try to get in good with the boss or thinking a little on the side may get them a better advantage by being one of the "in" crowd.
:shrug:
IMO
Hey Paula
10-04-2009, 02:19 PM
As Per David Letterman (bold words mine)
"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."
"women who work for me" = subordinates
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,558902,00.html
Letterman becomes target of the kind of jokes he tells as newsman is accused in blackmail plot
EXCERPT:
CBS would not address questions about whether Letterman faced any disciplinary actions for relationships with subordinates.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-ap-us-tv-letterman-extortion,0,6341476.story
Mimi428
10-04-2009, 02:25 PM
Thanks for the information. Very informative. The Boss has relations with subordinates. Who knows what if any private settlements are being made, now.
That may be the funniest thing I have read all week!
The man went on national TV to disclose that someone had been trying to blackmail him. Some who actually DID want a "private settlement". If he was at all inclined to pay "private settlements" - why the heck would he go to the DA's office & press charges about one "private settlement", but pay others?
Your logic escapes me (but it is sorta entertaining to try & figure it out).
He doesn't pay private settlements, but you are convinced there may be private settlements. Alrighty, then. I have no doubt that a contortionist in the circus would envy you.
enigma™
10-04-2009, 02:26 PM
As Per David Letterman (bold words mine)
"women who work for me" = subordinates
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,558902,00.html
Letterman becomes target of the kind of jokes he tells as newsman is accused in blackmail plot
EXCERPT:
CBS would not address questions about whether Letterman faced any disciplinary actions for relationships with subordinates.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/sns-ap-us-tv-letterman-extortion,0,6341476.story
Great stuff, where is the proof they were "forced"?
Mimi428
10-04-2009, 02:42 PM
He's funny. Women love a guy that makes them laugh. I would bet
he is also a gentleman.
Since when does a famous rich guy need to be good looking to have women throw themselves at him?
Lyle Lovett & Henry Kissinger come to mind. Two men who could hardly be called strikingly handsome, but are/were huge magnets for attracting women.
Lyndawitha"Y
10-04-2009, 02:50 PM
I find this thread rather interesting..to hear some who make assumptions of the basis for DL having a relationship with a staff person or whether he was the agressor, forcer, harrasser..and so on.
No victim has come foreward to complain...and if they did..I know I would read here..she was was an "Opportunist".."Money grubber".."Looking for 15 miutes of fame"..or worse..she "Set DL up" for the money...yet so far, the facts of this case stem from a "Male Extorter" who wanted money for his knowledge...and David Letterman the "Extortee" called his bluff and turned the tables on him.
I am of the thought..."Good for DL"..It just proves he really had nothing to hide other than personal relationships ( which is nobody's business but his)..and it does seem his relationships were long term and not "Quickies" like some would love to think...It does seem that David was a man who was desireable personally to this women anyway..No harm..no foul on that count..and obviously his now wife knows about it, and likely already knew about it long before the EXTORTION LETTER.
LMS:laugh:
Poochie Pie
10-04-2009, 03:00 PM
I think Letterman is a misogynist, based upon the despicable remarks he made about Governor Palin's daughter and the crude ones he made about the Governor herself.
Even while making jokes about his sexual escapades with female subordinates, he quipped that revelations might be embarrassing for THEM. Apparently, he isn't ashamed of his own behavior.
Whether or not a quid pro quo was a factor in those instances, the fact is that Letterman wielded his power for sexual favors, and that in and of itself is wrong and counterproductive to any work environment.
I believe he should be fired, but based upon the actions of his thus far seemingly dismissive audience, he will likely be allowed to continue his boorish behavior and tasteless jokes.
IMO Thank you Paula, for saying exactly what I have been thinking..!! I may be "tarred and feathered", but I was not impressed with Mr. Letterman's public announcement... IMO, he just reduced himself down to the level of the sneaky and cheating Politicians... there seems to be one every other day now who is on TV whining about the mistake they made and begging for forgiveness from the Public... I found it strange that DL did NOT publically apologize to his Wife, and mother of his child as most of the Politicians do... I don't feel bad for HIM at all... I feel bad for his Wife, who has also been his partner for years and years.. IMO
Poochie
Poochie Pie
10-04-2009, 03:23 PM
I find this thread rather interesting..to hear some who make assumptions of the basis for DL having a relationship with a staff person or whether he was the agressor, forcer, harrasser..and so on.
No victim has come foreward to complain...and if they did..I know I would read here..she was was an "Opportunist".."Money grubber".."Looking for 15 miutes of fame"..or worse..she "Set DL up" for the money...yet so far, the facts of this case stem from a "Male Extorter" who wanted money for his knowledge...and David Letterman the "Extortee" called his bluff and turned the tables on him.
I am of the thought..."Good for DL"..It just proves he really had nothing to hide other than personal relationships ( which is nobody's business but his)..and it does seem his relationships were long term and not "Quickies" like some would love to think...It does seem that David was a man who was desireable personally to this women anyway..No harm..no foul on that count..and obviously his now wife knows about it, and likely already knew about it long before the EXTORTION LETTER.
LMS:laugh: Hi Lynda..!! Geez... I hate it when you post such honest, logical stuff..!! LOl.. And I hate it even worse when I kinda agree with it.. I did actually enjoy DL turning the tables on the Extorter.. Kinda reminded me of the Movie "Ransom" with Mel Gibson... with that said, I still am not impressed with Mr. Letterman's "attempt" to remain in good graces with the Public in the way that he did.. quite transparent, imo... He almost came off as "bragging" to me... I kept waiting for the least little bit of shame or remorse, but unfortunately his "declaration" struck me as nothing but self serving.. just my observation...
Poochie
Lyndawitha"Y
10-04-2009, 03:33 PM
Hi Lynda..!! Geez... I hate it when you post such honest, logical stuff..!! LOl.. And I hate it even worse when I kinda agree with it.. I did actually enjoy DL turning the tables on the Extorter.. Kinda reminded me of the Movie "Ransom" with Mel Gibson... with that said, I still am not impressed with Mr. Letterman's "attempt" to remain in good graces with the Public in the way that he did.. quite transparent, imo... He almost came off as "bragging" to me... I kept waiting for the least little bit of shame or remorse, but unfortunately his "declaration" struck me as nothing but self serving.. just my observation...
Poochie
Hey girl...how are ya?..Anyway, my thoughts during his outlining of what was going down....I perceived it as telling things as they were ..never got the impression it was an apology at all..the relationship was before his marriage..he was single....why should he need to apologize. His demeanor to me seemed not so bragging, but relieved he reported this attempt, and actual sting operation to catch him worked...I guess, Poochie, I just dont give a hoot about personal lives of stars, actors or famous people...Guess Im not the normal star gazer....idolizer type..never did make personal decisions on the basis of what "In Your Face" stars did or do....LOL
LMS:laugh:
Spyder88
10-04-2009, 04:23 PM
Having never been a David Letterman fan, I've never understood the attraction. I'm rather mystified he had sexual relationships with women (plural) who worked for him.
The guy has always made me feel like I need to scratch, or go take a bath, so the thought of numerous women having sex with him and I was like...ewwwww. barf I'd rather go live under a bridge if my job was ever on the line with the likes of him. Bill O'Reilly can move on over....Davey has moved up to the fore! :tongue:
Honestly, you could count on one hand the number of times I've watched him for any length of time and I've NEVER watched him from start to finish. I just do not like him...even a little.
He never seemed the least bit funny or witty to me. My humor and his are vastly different. He never seemed to be anything but a mean, nasty, buffoon whenever I watched him.
I have always asserted my right to pick up the channel changer and click him off, which is what I will continue to do for as long as his sardonic grin is leering into the camera. :seeya:
Lyndawitha"Y
10-04-2009, 04:51 PM
Having never been a David Letterman fan, I've never understood the attraction. I'm rather mystified he had sexual relationships with women (plural) who worked for him.
The guy has always made me feel like I need to scratch, or go take a bath, so the thought of numerous women having sex with him and I was like...ewwwww. barf I'd rather go live under a bridge if my job was ever on the line with the likes of him. Bill O'Reilly can move on over....Davey has moved up to the fore! :tongue:
Honestly, you could count on one hand the number of times I've watched him for any length of time and I've NEVER watched him from start to finish. I just do not like him...even a little.
He never seemed the least bit funny or witty to me. My humor and his are vastly different. He never seemed to be anything but a mean, nasty, buffoon whenever I watched him.
I have always asserted my right to pick up the channel changer and click him off, which is what I will continue to do for as long as his sardonic grin is leering into the camera. :seeya:
Bravo Spyder...at least you are being honest as to why you dont like David Letterman..For myself..dont watch him much either...but there is something to what you are saying....His sardonic grin, his seemingly baffoonery and silliness..doesnt fit everyone's "Entertainment Zone"...but in the broad scheme of things..he does tickle the funny bone of some (not all)...he obviously tickles the admirations of some ( not mine either) but in this case at hand..it does seem that his relationship or ships have nothing to do with audience, onlookers or critics....It is personal..and he in the end was the one being extorted..and cooperated with LE to nab this guy...
Did ya ever ask the question...why extort this guy? ....quik answer..cause he was famous, had money and the extorionist thought he (DL) would want to hide this fact....Voila...DL didnt fall for that..he was willing to expose himself to any and all and admit something that was in no way meant for public consumption...For that I do give him kudos.....Otherside of coin......IF he wasnt on TV..wasnt rich..wasnt going to feel embarrassed infront of public...he never would have been extorted to begin with...
By the way..Have you ever wondered why some people bug the heck out you, hate their smile, hate their body language, hate the way they talk,walk and express themselves??? First clue ...We view things from the viewpoint of our life experiences..thus for unknown reasons just get hackles up when see or hear someone....There are many people in ones life that actually have influenced perceptions.... LOL..I recall throwing socks at my kid when he said and acted just like his father..(no need to go into why..)Anyway, sometimes you dont like people..dont even know them..just dont like their manner, looks or demeanor....
LMS
Spyder88
10-04-2009, 05:32 PM
By the way..Have you ever wondered why some people bug the heck out you, hate their smile, hate their body language, hate the way they talk,walk and express themselves??? First clue ...We view things from the viewpoint of our life experiences..thus for unknown reasons just get hackles up when see or hear someone....There are many people in ones life that actually have influenced perceptions.... LOL..I recall throwing socks at my kid when he said and acted just like his father..(no need to go into why..)Anyway, sometimes you dont like people..dont even know them..just dont like their manner, looks or demeanor....
LMS
It IS interesting how different people affect us. LOL I always think that maybe we're reminded of a time when someone reminds us of someone who was downright hateful in some way...or...we have an inherent knowledge of who's not to be trusted, clever and witty though they may think they are.
I can remember never liking the Three Stooges. They were so mean and hurtful...I never saw humor in their physical and mental cruelty toward each other. I never laughed at them. I still don't. Oh well. So much for slapstick. :tongue: I simply have never liked abuse, humorous attempts or otherwise.
Don't get me wrong. I have no problem with sarcastic humor (which has gotten me in trouble with CW more than once), but there's this fine line to deliberate cruelty and ridicule which, when crossed, always sets my jaws on edge and I'm almost always on the side of the underdog...Go figure .... :shrug:
Xenam
10-05-2009, 09:45 AM
Sure looks like the definition of sexual harassment when a boss has relations with a staffer.
Hi ABC -- re: sexual harassment - only if it affected their employment (sexual favors) or the sexual relationship was "unwelcome". Thus far I have heard no evidence of this. :shrug:
I agree with all of the descriptions of DL above; another one that came to mind was Woody Allen but as they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I actually like none of the late night show hosts. If and when I tune in it is usually because of the guests and I TIVO so I can only watch what I want to. :laugh:
I can remember never liking the Three Stooges. They were so mean and hurtful...I never saw humor in their physical and mental cruelty toward each other. I never laughed at them. I still don't. Oh well. So much for slapstick. :tongue: I simply have never liked abuse, humorous attempts or otherwise.
Hey, don't rag on my boys or we are gonna butt heads!! :smile:
Citygirl
10-05-2009, 11:29 AM
I've always liked Dave and always thought he was a very smart cookie..I still like him a lot but can't help but wonder why he wasn't smart enough to remember the sayin..you don't **** where you eat.
I do think some of the "other" women will start talkin to the media now..whether or not it will be in support of him remains to be seen..
Hi ABC -- re: sexual harassment - only if it affected their employment (sexual favors) or the sexual relationship was "unwelcome". Thus far I have heard no evidence of this. :shrug:
I agree with all of the descriptions of DL above; another one that came to mind was Woody Allen but as they say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". I actually like none of the late night show hosts. If and when I tune in it is usually because of the guests and I TIVO so I can only watch what I want to. :laugh:
I think the problem is the inherent nature of the relationship. A boss having relations with an underling and the power to hire, promote or :scared: fire the staffer. That is the basis of the extortion. Who cares if bachelor Dave had an affair? Its the fact that he had it with someone that he had power over in the work site and could impact their career in either a negative or positive way. And folks that is what sexual harassment in the workplace is all about.
enigma™
10-05-2009, 01:27 PM
I think the problem is the inherent nature of the relationship. A boss having relations with an underling and the power to hire, promote or :scared: fire the staffer. That is the basis of the extortion. Who cares if bachelor Dave had an affair? Its the fact that he had it with someone that he had power over in the work site and could impact their career in either a negative or positive way. And folks that is what sexual harassment in the workplace is all about.
The problem, as I see it, is no one knows who the aggressor was in any of these "affairs". I am still awaiting Hey Paula's proof that anyone was "forced" into a relationship with DL. I am not seeing it, no one has come forward to say otherwise (yet - still open to being wrong on this one), but until proven wrong, where is the proof that he "forced" anything on anyone?
Spyder88
10-05-2009, 03:05 PM
Hey, don't rag on my boys or we are gonna butt heads!! :smile:
Now Jay, you know those boys are just plain mean, mean, mean. Good thing you haven't modeled yourself after them or we WOULD butt heads.
Since I'm a March baby and my sign is that of the Aries Ram, I'm pretty hard-headed, just so's ya know. Forewarned and all that. ;)
I still like YOU, though. Does that count? :wub:
jewel6
10-05-2009, 04:48 PM
What affair happened? He was a single man! He could have relations with whom ever he wanted! Yikes! JMO
Ten Reasons Why Letterman's Sex Saga is Not Funny
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20091002/cm_csm/eletterman
"While Letterman fans may show him leniency – the new norm for wayward celebrities – employers like CBS must take any office affair very seriously, especially if there is a potential for harassment, coercion, conflict of interest, or favoritism – or the perception of the same."
:read:
Good Post and the essense of the problem of Boss's having relations with underlings.
jewel6
10-05-2009, 05:53 PM
uhm, If the women went along with him so be it! It looks like he had sex with quite a few women over long term years. no one has come forth before the extortionist! jmo I must ____ to be a celebrity! yikes! JMO
MaybytheBay
10-05-2009, 06:38 PM
I see nothing noble about reporting an extortion plot to authorities and don't see why Letterman should be applauded for it. He can have sex with anyone he can talk into it, but it shows a lack of character and morals.
True that consenting adults can do whatever they wish, but this continued acceptance of bad behavior is not a good thing for our society.
David Letterman is very self-serving. I'm not surprised his audience applauds his sexual relations in the work place- and despite a long standing relationship. He'll sneer and jeer and boorishly joke about it.....
The man has shown his sexist and self righteous jokes against women and class with his obsessive and compulsive disdain for Sarah Palin and her family. He just became too creepy to listen to.
enigma™
10-05-2009, 07:23 PM
I am befuddled here. Why is it some presume that David Letterman was the aggressor here? I have yet to hear of any "subordinate" come forth and claim he was anything but funny and kind to them. He is a comedian, his job entails making fun of people in the news, be it Sarah Palin or George Washington. HEY PAULA, I am still waiting on that link that he "forced" his underlings to have sex with him. Where did you go?
I suppose I should add that I am, more often than not, sound asleep by the time his show comes on. I am by no means an avid fan, I just do not understand the animosity toward him that has been displayed before any evidence has been presented. He was extorted, he did the right thing. How many others can you say that about?
MaybytheBay
10-05-2009, 07:59 PM
I don't presume David Letterman was a sexual aggressor at the workplace. Just that he indeed had sexual relations with co workers.
I do presume they were subsidiary employees-with respect to David's prominence.
I just rather strongly do not like Letterman-and his left-elitest superiority he uses to demean white Christian working class people in general. And the Sarah Palin obsession became insufferable....almost bizarre...
enigma™
10-05-2009, 08:07 PM
Sarah Palin was, and remains, insufferable, but that is not for this thread. David did nothing that has not been done by men AND women throughout the ages. He got caught with his pants down, and not because one of his subordinates wanted to blackmail him, but because one of her X's decided to put the screws to him. Had they not been together and broken up, we would likely not be having this discussion. Let the man be.
Now Jay, you know those boys are just plain mean, mean, mean. Good thing you haven't modeled yourself after them or we WOULD butt heads.
Since I'm a March baby and my sign is that of the Aries Ram, I'm pretty hard-headed, just so's ya know. Forewarned and all that. ;)
I still like YOU, though. Does that count? :wub:
I guess it counts (wink), but I would never marry a woman who does not like the Stooges, ha!! :smile:
who_is_it
10-05-2009, 08:49 PM
What affair happened? He was a single man! He could have relations with whom ever he wanted! Yikes! JMO
I didn't follow the subject. It's still unclear to me if he cheated on his wife or if it's just about any past affairs....?
Your post sounds as if his now wife wasn't his girlfriend at the time of the affairs!? -- If it's like this I really don't understand what the problem is.
At any case he did the right thing to involve the police.
who_is_it
10-05-2009, 08:53 PM
Hi ABC -- re: sexual harassment - only if it affected their employment (sexual favors) or the sexual relationship was "unwelcome". Thus far I have heard no evidence of this. :shrug:
<snipped>
I agree, obviously it was welcome to the ladies. If it had been sexual harrassment they could have done something against him (but didn't...)
who_is_it
10-05-2009, 09:03 PM
I think the problem is the inherent nature of the relationship. A boss having relations with an underling and the power to hire, promote or :scared: fire the staffer. That is the basis of the extortion. Who cares if bachelor Dave had an affair? Its the fact that he had it with someone that he had power over in the work site and could impact their career in either a negative or positive way. And folks that is what sexual harassment in the workplace is all about.
The women have to be in alert and collect proves.... and then go against the disgusting pig who indirectly tries to extort his victims (--> if you aren't nice you'll get fired). Imo it's the fault of the women who keep quiet. Bosses who abuse their power and harrass their female employees don't deserve power; they need to be punished. I'm not talking about Letterman (sounds like it was welcome) but about those who harrass female employees.
veracruz
10-05-2009, 09:10 PM
Letterman is going to discuss this again tonight and apologize to his wife on the air. The show has already been taped.
imol
Spyder88
10-05-2009, 10:01 PM
I guess it counts (wink), but I would never marry a woman who does not like the Stooges, ha!! :smile:
Wow. Okay...well...all righty then. :crying: I guess it's a good thing I'm already married, huh? :wink:
I heard on the news this morning that the attorney for the man arrested for this crime against Letterman, said that there WAS sexual harrassment by Letterman. I am shocked that the defense attorney for this defendant would help make good on his client's threat that if the money was not paid, Letterman would suffer the consequences. How dare he do that. (Besides, whether there was harrassment or not is irrelevant to the charges against the defendant.)
If the attorney did make that statement, I see it as an ethics violation. He is doing no more than helping his client make good on the defendant's original threat to Letterman. Does anyone know where this attorney appeared? I was busy getting ready and didn't notice the channel that reported this. Will try to locate link.
Barbara fl.
10-06-2009, 12:13 PM
I heard on the news this morning that the attorney for the man arrested for this crime against Letterman, said that there WAS sexual harrassment by Letterman. I am shocked that the defense attorney for this defendant would help make good on his client's threat that if the money was not paid, Letterman would suffer the consequences. How dare he do that. (Besides, whether there was harrassment or not is irrelevant to the charges against the defendant.)
If the attorney did make that statement, I see it as an ethics violation. He is doing no more than helping his client make good on the defendant's original threat to Letterman. Does anyone know where this attorney appeared? I was busy getting ready and didn't notice the channel that reported this. Will try to locate link.
I too heard it...
I feel like you do...this should NOT have been allowed...When Halderman was released on bond there should have been strick orders given that the case can not be discussed directly OR indirectly....This man was trying to extort money and for it to be allowed to have comments made pertaining to the case should be a breach of bond and this man should be sent to jail....otherwise the court system is allowing the extortion to continue....
This case is not about the affairs that Letterman has had it's about extortion...
fastpitch
10-06-2009, 12:21 PM
So, now it has been disclosed on network TV that one of the young women is Stephanie. I remember her. Gosh, I thought she was a page. She looked 15 years younger than her normal age.
She started appearing by phone with Dave and then she was the envelope holder, during Stump the Audience.
I do realize that the charges here are blackmail, but I think that a lot is going to come from this.
I understand sexual harassment and it can be as simple as "Oh, now I know why she got that raise instead of me."
I wonder how this mess will affect the female's careers, now?
Barbara fl.
10-06-2009, 01:13 PM
So, now it has been disclosed on network TV that one of the young women is Stephanie. I remember her. Gosh, I thought she was a page. She looked 15 years younger than her normal age.
She started appearing by phone with Dave and then she was the envelope holder, during Stump the Audience.
I do realize that the charges here are blackmail, but I think that a lot is going to come from this.
I understand sexual harassment and it can be as simple as "Oh, now I know why she got that raise instead of me."
I wonder how this mess will affect the female's careers, now?
Nothing at all should come of this seeing as no woman has ever filed sexual harassment charges agains Letterman...This is an extortion case....one man extorting a man who was single at the time that these affairs happened...the females were all of consenting age...therefore there is nothing more to this case then extortion.....someone looking for a quick dollar at someones else's expense....
I prase Letterman for doing the right thing....extortionist's need to be behind bars.....
So, now it has been disclosed on network TV that one of the young women is Stephanie. I remember her. Gosh, I thought she was a page. She looked 15 years younger than her normal age.
She started appearing by phone with Dave and then she was the envelope holder, during Stump the Audience.
I do realize that the charges here are blackmail, but I think that a lot is going to come from this.
I understand sexual harassment and it can be as simple as "Oh, now I know why she got that raise instead of me."
I wonder how this mess will affect the female's careers, now?
She does appear younger than her true age. I thought she was in her late teens or early twenties when she was on the air.
She is obviously very smart, a graduate from Wake Forest University, in my home state and she says he was the greatest person she ever worked for. Of course we must consider the circumstances. I like Dave, so I intend to think the best until it is proven otherwise.
I have had a few relationships in the workplace over the years. Two were when I was very young and the men were at least 18 years older than me. I thought the involvement was voluntary, but in introspect, I would have been better off to have avoided it. The men should have known better and not made the first move. Still, I don't know all the circumstances, so I won't judge Dave too harshly.
Hey Paula
10-06-2009, 02:16 PM
Thank you Paula, for saying exactly what I have been thinking..!! I may be "tarred and feathered", but I was not impressed with Mr. Letterman's public announcement... IMO, he just reduced himself down to the level of the sneaky and cheating Politicians... there seems to be one every other day now who is on TV whining about the mistake they made and begging for forgiveness from the Public... I found it strange that DL did NOT publically apologize to his Wife, and mother of his child as most of the Politicians do... I don't feel bad for HIM at all... I feel bad for his Wife, who has also been his partner for years and years.. IMO
Poochie
Hi Poochie! :smile:
DL is a hypocrite, IMO.
Nice to see you! It's been awhile!
Hey Paula
10-06-2009, 02:19 PM
I am befuddled here. Why is it some presume that David Letterman was the aggressor here? I have yet to hear of any "subordinate" come forth and claim he was anything but funny and kind to them. He is a comedian, his job entails making fun of people in the news, be it Sarah Palin or George Washington. HEY PAULA, I am still waiting on that link that he "forced" his underlings to have sex with him. Where did you go?
I suppose I should add that I am, more often than not, sound asleep by the time his show comes on. I am by no means an avid fan, I just do not understand the animosity toward him that has been displayed before any evidence has been presented. He was extorted, he did the right thing. How many others can you say that about?
Since I NEVER used the word "force", I cannot provide a link for it.
Once again, here is my original reply to you:
http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showpost.php?p=13530357&postcount=67
I too heard it...
I feel like you do...this should NOT have been allowed...When Halderman was released on bond there should have been strick orders given that the case can not be discussed directly OR indirectly....This man was trying to extort money and for it to be allowed to have comments made pertaining to the case should be a breach of bond and this man should be sent to jail....otherwise the court system is allowing the extortion to continue....
This case is not about the affairs that Letterman has had it's about extortion...
Well, I don't think the American Justice system is going to be circumvented for Dave. Extortion is a crime but not up there with the truely horrible crimes committed against children and adults, IMOO. Dave opened himself up for this when he was having relations with staffers. That is the basis of the extortion, not affairs of an unmarried man.
"Making fun of people in the news"? A fourteen year old girl going to a ball game at Yankee Stadium? I am missing the fun!
enigma™
10-07-2009, 10:30 AM
Since I NEVER used the word "force", I cannot provide a link for it.
Once again, here is my original reply to you:
http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showpost.php?p=13530357&postcount=67
OK, "weilded his power" - what is the connotation of that? If you do not submit to my requests, you will not be promoted, get a raise, etc. That sounds like "forced to submit" to me. However, I did not mean to twist your words. Please provide a link that he "weilded his power" to have anyone do anything but their jobs for him. TIA!
OK, "weilded his power" - what is the connotation of that? If you do not submit to my requests, you will not be promoted, get a raise, etc. That sounds like "forced to submit" to me. However, I did not mean to twist your words. Please provide a link that he "weilded his power" to have anyone do anything but their jobs for him. TIA!
Excuse me for butting in here, but I read the link Zibar posted. According to Holly Hester she was an intern and college student when DL called her up and asked her to the movies. Things progressed from there. While he might not have wielded power or forced Holly, obviously a young woman infatuated with him was easily led into a sexual relationship.
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 10:43 AM
Well, I don't think the American Justice system is going to be circumvented for Dave. Extortion is a crime but not up there with the truely horrible crimes committed against children and adults, IMOO. Dave opened himself up for this when he was having relations with staffers. That is the basis of the extortion, not affairs of an unmarried man.
"Making fun of people in the news"? A fourteen year old girl going to a ball game at Yankee Stadium? I am missing the fun!
David Letterman has NOT being charged with a crime...Halderman is charged with EXTORTION....your posts indicates that you are in favor of black mailers.....
The judge is not going to allow anything of the nature of DL sexual affairs....he is not the one on trial.....this case is about EXTORTION....nothing else....
Halderman's attorney is leaving himself open for a law suit.....he seems to be continuing the extortion on the media....
enigma™
10-07-2009, 10:44 AM
Excuse me for butting in here, but I read the link Zibar posted. According to Holly Hester she was an intern and college student when DL called her up and asked her to the movies. Things progressed from there. While he might not have wielded power or forced Holly, obviously a young woman infatuated with him was easily led into a sexual relationship.
And whose fault is that? She could have easily said no, thank you, I am not interested in anything but my job, I have a boyfriend, I do not like men, etc.
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 11:54 AM
Well, I don't think the American Justice system is going to be circumvented for Dave. Extortion is a crime but not up there with the truely horrible crimes committed against children and adults, IMOO. Dave opened himself up for this when he was having relations with staffers. That is the basis of the extortion, not affairs of an unmarried man.
"Making fun of people in the news"? A fourteen year old girl going to a ball game at Yankee Stadium? I am missing the fun!
Extortion is not up there with the horrible crimes? Are you kidding? Extortion can get you 30 years behind bars (at the least) extortion is right up there with nidnapping.....extortion is a very serious crime....Murder can come from extortion....
DL did not open himself to anything...He was a single man and was able to date who he wanted to....If these women didn't know how to say no, that's not his problem....
You talk like extortion is a misdemeanor.....Halderman is going to do big time for this.....big, big time.....and his lawyer isn't making it any better for him by continueing with the black mailing on the media...
Leterman was charged with NOTHING, therefore he does NOT have to defend himself.....only Halderman does....and what is Haderman going to say "Oh, I didn't think it was appropriate what DL was doing so I thought "I" deserved 2 million dollars for it"? :laugh:
Xenam
10-07-2009, 12:24 PM
I too heard it...
I feel like you do...this should NOT have been allowed...When Halderman was released on bond there should have been strick orders given that the case can not be discussed directly OR indirectly....This man was trying to extort money and for it to be allowed to have comments made pertaining to the case should be a breach of bond and this man should be sent to jail....otherwise the court system is allowing the extortion to continue....
This case is not about the affairs that Letterman has had it's about extortion...
I hope his ex-girlfriend sues Halderman too since he obtained the information from her personal diary and to my knowledge did it without her permission. :ohmy:
Extortion is not up there with the horrible crimes? Are you kidding? Extortion can get you 30 years behind bars (at the least) extortion is right up there with nidnapping.....extortion is a very serious crime....Murder can come from extortion....
DL did not open himself to anything...He was a single man and was able to date who he wanted to....If these women didn't know how to say no, that's not his problem....
You talk like extortion is a misdemeanor.....Halderman is going to do big time for this.....big, big time.....and his lawyer isn't making it any better for him by continueing with the black mailing on the media...
Leterman was charged with NOTHING, therefore he does NOT have to defend himself.....only Halderman does....and what is Haderman going to say "Oh, I didn't think it was appropriate what DL was doing so I thought "I" deserved 2 million dollars for it"? :laugh:
Yep, I am not overcome by extortion. The problem and reason for the extortion attempt was cause Dave was having sexual relations with folks who worked for him and were underlying and a little thing called sexual harassment. The jokester is not laughing as much when the jokes are about him.
Xenam
10-07-2009, 12:49 PM
Yep, I am not overcome by extortion. The problem and reason for the extortion attempt was cause Dave was having sexual relations with folks who worked for him and were underlying and a little thing called sexual harassment. The jokester is not laughing as much when the jokes are about him.
Wasn't his wife on his staff when he met her? Some office romances are just inevitable especially when you spend more than half of your life there. Unless these women were coerced into these relationships it is NOT sexual harassment and there is no evidence it affected work performance. Having an office romance is NOT a crime with two consensual adults.
Extortion is a crime period no matter what the reason. If Halderman was so intent on exposing Letterman - why didn't he convince his ex-girlfriend to bring sexual harassment charges if that were the case or even send the package to CBS executives? He was looking for a fast $2M and IMO Letterman (who I have no love for) did the right thing in pursuing charges. If he owes an apology to anyone it is his wife. JMHO
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 01:20 PM
Yep, I am not overcome by extortion. The problem and reason for the extortion attempt was cause Dave was having sexual relations with folks who worked for him and were underlying and a little thing called sexual harassment. The jokester is not laughing as much when the jokes are about him.
I don't think you read my post...Do you even know what extortion is and why it is such a serious offense?
If someone sees something being done illegally they should go to the police...not try to make money off of it....Extortion is a very harsh offense and is taken very seriously in the eys of the law...reason being that each and everyone of us can be a taget for black mail...whether it's having made love to someone while drunk, or having taken a picture that you wouldn't want out there...to just about anything at all...
David Lettrmn was not going to give in to blackmail....it was better for him to come clean....and what was it all about? Him dating womaen on his set that were of age..?
Look at John Travolta, he was being blackmailed while his son was being buried because of a piecve of paper that he signed when he thought he could take his son to Florida rather then being seen in the Bahama's.....DO YOU THINK THIS WAS OK FOR THEM TO DO?
That is what extortion is...and it is considered just as bad as kidnapping and murder, because it has led to murder in some cases...
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 01:22 PM
Wasn't his wife on his staff when he met her? Some office romances are just inevitable especially when you spend more than half of your life there. Unless these women were coerced into these relationships it is NOT sexual harassment and there is no evidence it affected work performance. Having an office romance is NOT a crime with two consensual adults.
Extortion is a crime period no matter what the reason. If Halderman was so intent on exposing Letterman - why didn't he convince his ex-girlfriend to bring sexual harassment charges if that were the case or even send the package to CBS executives? He was looking for a fast $2M and IMO Letterman (who I have no love for) did the right thing in pursuing charges. If he owes an apology to anyone it is his wife. JMHO
Exactly.....He owes no one BUT his wife an apology....
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 01:29 PM
Excuse me for butting in here, but I read the link Zibar posted. According to Holly Hester she was an intern and college student when DL called her up and asked her to the movies. Things progressed from there. While he might not have wielded power or forced Holly, obviously a young woman infatuated with him was easily led into a sexual relationship.
But why would that make him open season to extort money from...As long as she was of age and could have refused...no crime was committed....
However, Halderman did commit a crime.....
bkwits
10-07-2009, 01:37 PM
I am SOOO disappointed in Dave Letterman. I have been a fan for years, but no more. I could live with his sleeping with one or two of his staff, although it is certainly not right. But he slept with several of them despite his committed relationship with Regina since 1986. He had a child with Regina and continued his affairs. He married Regina, finally. He took Birkett to his Montana home just last fall. Now he capitalizes on his affairs and makes jokes about them. And jokes that his wife is mad at him...no kidding.
Dave, you are scum. IMO:thumbdown:
But why would that make him open season to extort money from...As long as she was of age and could have refused...no crime was committed....
However, Halderman did commit a crime.....
In no way was I implying that DL should have been extorted. That obviously is a crime and wrong. What I was trying to point out was that Holly described herself as a young intern, college student, infatuated with him. To me that made her a gullible, easy mark. Certainly she could have said no, but IMO it was pretty sleazy of DL to have hit on her.
I don't think you read my post...Do you even know what extortion is and why it is such a serious offense?
If someone sees something being done illegally they should go to the police...not try to make money off of it....Extortion is a very harsh offense and is taken very seriously in the eys of the law...reason being that each and everyone of us can be a taget for black mail...whether it's having made love to someone while drunk, or having taken a picture that you wouldn't want out there...to just about anything at all...
David Lettrmn was not going to give in to blackmail....it was better for him to come clean....and what was it all about? Him dating womaen on his set that were of age..?
Look at John Travolta, he was being blackmailed while his son was being buried because of a piecve of paper that he signed when he thought he could take his son to Florida rather then being seen in the Bahama's.....DO YOU THINK THIS WAS OK FOR THEM TO DO?
That is what extortion is...and it is considered just as bad as kidnapping and murder, because it has led to murder in some cases...
John Travolta is the picture of the frozen relentess consuming grief a parent experiences when a child dies. He may never get over it. While Dave is making jokes about his exploits. I don't think the situations comparable.
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 03:16 PM
John Travolta is the picture of the frozen relentess consuming grief a parent experiences when a child dies. He may never get over it. While Dave is making jokes about his exploits. I don't think the situations comparable.
Extortion is extortion...no matter how you look at it....Just like murder is murder....
There is no such thing as a little extortion....or a lesser extortion....it's extortion....How can anyone go in the defense of an extortionist? No charges have ever been brought up on DL for anything at all...
Halderman is an extortionist...bottom line...and that is what this case is about....not the affairs that Letterman has had....
DL in a comedian, how else would you expect the man to handle an embarrasing moment....? Because that is all it is....He has to explain to his wife about his affairs, even though they took place prior to his marriage...I believe he was in an affair with her while this was going on....BUT none of what Letterman did is against the law.....
Barbara fl.
10-07-2009, 03:23 PM
In no way was I implying that DL should have been extorted. That obviously is a crime and wrong. What I was trying to point out was that Holly described herself as a young intern, college student, infatuated with him. To me that made her a gullible, easy mark. Certainly she could have said no, but IMO it was pretty sleazy of DL to have hit on her.
Men will be men, and I know that is no excuse for his behavior...but this woman was still of age.....People of celebrity status are always being hit on by these young women....But the point I am making is that nothing Letterman did was against the law...Halderman on the other hand did break the law....
I do not believe that I have ever watched a show of his...I am certainly no fan of his...but that wouldn't make me not see the bad guy here...and that is Halderman....
If I was at a party, I would certainly choose to be with Letterman then Halderman....Extortionist's are sneaking and underhanded and criminals looking to grab anything they can at another's expense...Nothing can justify what Halderman tried to do....
bkwits
10-07-2009, 03:59 PM
Men will be men, and I know that is no excuse for his behavior...but this woman was still of age.....People of celebrity status are always being hit on by these young women....But the point I am making is that nothing Letterman did was against the law...Halderman on the other hand did break the law....
I do not believe that I have ever watched a show of his...I am certainly no fan of his...but that wouldn't make me not see the bad guy here...and that is Halderman....
If I was at a party, I would certainly choose to be with Letterman then Halderman....Extortionist's are sneaking and underhanded and criminals looking to grab anything they can at another's expense...Nothing can justify what Halderman tried to do....
IMO, it is not a question of Letterman vs. Halderman. They are both sleaze. The only difference being that Halderman committed a criminal offense. Letterman's affairs have victimized many people. Most especially his wife, but even including those workers who were not sexually involved with him. Letterman is what, 61 years old? He has a beautiful and a young son, but that isn't enough for him, he has to troll the workplace. Boo.
Spyder88
10-07-2009, 08:12 PM
Men will be men, and I know that is no excuse for his behavior...but this woman was still of age.....People of celebrity status are always being hit on by these young women....But the point I am making is that nothing Letterman did was against the law...Halderman on the other hand did break the law....
I do not believe that I have ever watched a show of his...I am certainly no fan of his...but that wouldn't make me not see the bad guy here...and that is Halderman....
If I was at a party, I would certainly choose to be with Letterman then Halderman....Extortionist's are sneaking and underhanded and criminals looking to grab anything they can at another's expense...Nothing can justify what Halderman tried to do....
I'm sorry, but that men will be men garbage is just that. Garbage.
A REAL man doesn't need to mess around with women who are his subordinates. Not exactly fair nor playing on even ground. It's complete sexual harassment of the worst kind and I don't care if it's David Letterman, the President of the United States or the local car dealer who's doing it. That's no measure of any man, if you ask me.
As for women who are willing...well...to me, that's never made two wrongs right, either. Lots of people willing to take that chance to land the big fish.
No matter how it's boiled down, the person who's the peon in the hirarchy of corporate status is the one who's going to get the pink slip if push comes to shove, and that, as they say, is where the bears have been pooping in the Letterman woods. U-G-L-Y.
Barbara fl.
10-08-2009, 10:50 AM
I'm sorry, but that men will be men garbage is just that. Garbage.
A REAL man doesn't need to mess around with women who are his subordinates. Not exactly fair nor playing on even ground. It's complete sexual harassment of the worst kind and I don't care if it's David Letterman, the President of the United States or the local car dealer who's doing it. That's no measure of any man, if you ask me.
As for women who are willing...well...to me, that's never made two wrongs right, either. Lots of people willing to take that chance to land the big fish.
No matter how it's boiled down, the person who's the peon in the hirarchy of corporate status is the one who's going to get the pink slip if push comes to shove, and that, as they say, is where the bears have been pooping in the Letterman woods. U-G-L-Y.
What all you say may very well be true....However, an extortionist is still the worst scum out there....the very worst, they also destroy families and extortion has led to murder in the past....
I do not watch DL, I never have....I am no fan of his what so ever....and I never heard of Halderman before this....Halderman wasn't concerned about these women, he was trying to extort 2 million dollars from someone for something that would only cause embarassment...there was no crime committed here by DL...As much as we would like to hate the particular man that DL may be, it still would not have any bearing on the case...
In this society we have young women that do not repect themselves..and men will take advantage of this...why? because they are no better....And we, as much as we don't like this type of behavior, can do absolutely nothing to stop it....it happens every day with Presidents, Politicians, men of the cloth, married men....How many times has our white house been used as a hotel for just such things...?
Now, if these women never complained and never reported this, then it must have been consensual....therefore no matter how we feel about the act, it was not against the law.....BUT, Halderman is lower then any of the above...And that is why there are laws against the Halderman type...
And it also works both ways....some women that are in power have done the very same thing....judges, politicians, regular house wives....So I really do not understand the downing of one man whom, if he didn't have a participating partner, could never have done this....
There is a very old saying..."a woman can run faster with her dress up then a man with his pants down"....Any one of those females that he had an encounter with could have reported it and cause a very big problem for DL...But none of them did...therefore it must have been ok with them....
Halderman is still the lowest of low....jmo
bkwits
10-08-2009, 01:35 PM
What all you say may very well be true....However, an extortionist is still the worst scum out there....the very worst, they also destroy families and extortion has led to murder in the past....
I do not watch DL, I never have....I am no fan of his what so ever....and I never heard of Halderman before this....Halderman wasn't concerned about these women, he was trying to extort 2 million dollars from someone for something that would only cause embarassment...there was no crime committed here by DL...As much as we would like to hate the particular man that DL may be, it still would not have any bearing on the case...
In this society we have young women that do not repect themselves..and men will take advantage of this...why? because they are no better....And we, as much as we don't like this type of behavior, can do absolutely nothing to stop it....it happens every day with Presidents, Politicians, men of the cloth, married men....How many times has our white house been used as a hotel for just such things...?
Now, if these women never complained and never reported this, then it must have been consensual....therefore no matter how we feel about the act, it was not against the law.....BUT, Halderman is lower then any of the above...And that is why there are laws against the Halderman type...
And it also works both ways....some women that are in power have done the very same thing....judges, politicians, regular house wives....So I really do not understand the downing of one man whom, if he didn't have a participating partner, could never have done this....
There is a very old saying..."a woman can run faster with her dress up then a man with his pants down"....Any one of those females that he had an encounter with could have reported it and cause a very big problem for DL...But none of them did...therefore it must have been ok with them....
Halderman is still the lowest of low....jmo
bolding mine...
Well, I have to disagree with you that an extortionist is the worst scum out there. Heavens there are people who prey on, rape, torture and murder children and helpless disabled or elderly people. You don't think that is worse than extortion? How about a mass murderer or a serial killer? People who kill randomly and devastate many lives. Ok, if leave out rapists and murderers, how about someone like Bernie Madoff? No, Halderman, although an alleged criminal is far from the worst of the worst, IMO.
Letterman's actions are not victimless. You say it was consensual. Just how "consensual" is it when your boss is coming on to you? It certainly is uncomfortable if you say no. It may also make it very uncomfortable for other employees whether you say yes or no. Who would these women report to if Dave made passes that were unwelcome? Maybe you have never worked in that environment, I have. How about the single mother with a disabled child that I worked with. She tried everything. Had her boyfriend, who was a sheriff, pick her up a work. Of course, she was let go when it didn't work out for the boss. It is almost as bad when the woman says yes. It is certainly not good for her coworkers.
Before you speak so cavalierly about Letterman leaving no victims, try walking in the shoes of his wife, employees and Ms. Birkett.
IMO
Barbara fl.
10-08-2009, 02:48 PM
bolding mine...
Well, I have to disagree with you that an extortionist is the worst scum out there. Heavens there are people who prey on, rape, torture and murder children and helpless disabled or elderly people. You don't think that is worse than extortion? How about a mass murderer or a serial killer? People who kill randomly and devastate many lives. Ok, if leave out rapists and murderers, how about someone like Bernie Madoff? No, Halderman, although an alleged criminal is far from the worst of the worst, IMO.
Letterman's actions are not victimless. You say it was consensual. Just how "consensual" is it when your boss is coming on to you? It certainly is uncomfortable if you say no. It may also make it very uncomfortable for other employees whether you say yes or no. Who would these women report to if Dave made passes that were unwelcome? Maybe you have never worked in that environment, I have. How about the single mother with a disabled child that I worked with. She tried everything. Had her boyfriend, who was a sheriff, pick her up a work. Of course, she was let go when it didn't work out for the boss. It is almost as bad when the woman says yes. It is certainly not good for her coworkers.
Before you speak so cavalierly about Letterman leaving no victims, try walking in the shoes of his wife, employees and Ms. Birkett.
IMO
Have you ever saw what happens to children that are kidnapped for ransom? Some are buried alive...When people have money they are open to these type of low lives....
Are you comparing DL to murderer's, rapists, child molesters? I do no see the connection...
We are talking about a black mailer vs a man who has sex with some of his staff (that could have said NO)....And if these women do not have any self respect or think more of themselves then that, then I am sorry for them...I'm sure no one twisted their arm or BLACK MAILED them into it...
The Black mailer on the other hand is very capable of doing just that....
I see there is no sense in trying to make anyone understand just how serious Black Mail is....It seems to be falling on ears that only see a man who was in power (so to speak) having flings in his office....
How anyone can not possibly distinguish the difference here is beyond me....
And yes I have worked in environments as such...and I could tell you this...after I got thru with them, they never approached me again...I would have felt more uncomfortable by saying yes and belittle myself, then to tell the creep to get lost....
DL may have used poor judgement in his affairs...but his wife met him the same way.....and so did his ex that he dated for many years...they knew just what they were getting into....
I am tired of defending women that do not think any more of themselves then that....
And as I previously stated. I am not defending DL, I am against the Black Mailer for trying to get rich at someone else's expense....This black mailer was threatening to expose all the women that DL had sex with....and you find that OK?
Extortion is a very serious crime punisable by 30 years in prison....that should tell you something if nothing else does....
bkwits
10-08-2009, 03:43 PM
Have you ever saw what happens to children that are kidnapped for ransom? Some are buried alive...When people have money they are open to these type of low lives....
Are you comparing DL to murderer's, rapists, child molesters? I do no see the connection...
We are talking about a black mailer vs a man who has sex with some of his staff (that could have said NO)....And if these women do not have any self respect or think more of themselves then that, then I am sorry for them...I'm sure no one twisted their arm or BLACK MAILED them into it...
The Black mailer on the other hand is very capable of doing just that....
I see there is no sense in trying to make anyone understand just how serious Black Mail is....It seems to be falling on ears that only see a man who was in power (so to speak) having flings in his office....
How anyone can not possibly distinguish the difference here is beyond me....
And yes I have worked in environments as such...and I could tell you this...after I got thru with them, they never approached me again...I would have felt more uncomfortable by saying yes and belittle myself, then to tell the creep to get lost....
DL may have used poor judgement in his affairs...but his wife met him the same way.....and so did his ex that he dated for many years...they knew just what they were getting into....
I am tired of defending women that do not think any more of themselves then that....
And as I previously stated. I am not defending DL, I am against the Black Mailer for trying to get rich at someone else's expense....This black mailer was threatening to expose all the women that DL had sex with....and you find that OK?
Extortion is a very serious crime punisable by 30 years in prison....that should tell you something if nothing else does....
I was refuting your saying extortionists are the worst of the worst. How did you infer that I was comparing Letterman to rapists, murderers, etc? I am not defending Halderman or Letterman. Where did I say that I thought black mail was ok? Halderman will likely pay a stiff price for what he did, and rightly so. Letterman seems to have shrugged it off.
What I am saying is that Letterman's actions are not victimless. But as far as I know Letterman's actions are not criminal and will be dealt with by public opinion, whereas Halderman's will be dealt with by the justice system. Halderman's actions are despicable and solely his responsibility. However, Letterman started the ball rolling downhill by cheating on his wife/fiancee with Halderman's girlriend. This enraged Halderman and was part of the reason for the extortion plot. As much as I have always liked Dave, I have to say that he put himself and those loyal to him in harm's way.
IMO
Spyder88
10-09-2009, 03:01 PM
Have you ever saw what happens to children that are kidnapped for ransom? Some are buried alive...When people have money they are open to these type of low lives....
Are you comparing DL to murderer's, rapists, child molesters? I do no see the connection...
We are talking about a black mailer vs a man who has sex with some of his staff (that could have said NO)....And if these women do not have any self respect or think more of themselves then that, then I am sorry for them...I'm sure no one twisted their arm or BLACK MAILED them into it...
The Black mailer on the other hand is very capable of doing just that....
I see there is no sense in trying to make anyone understand just how serious Black Mail is....It seems to be falling on ears that only see a man who was in power (so to speak) having flings in his office....
How anyone can not possibly distinguish the difference here is beyond me....
And yes I have worked in environments as such...and I could tell you this...after I got thru with them, they never approached me again...I would have felt more uncomfortable by saying yes and belittle myself, then to tell the creep to get lost....
DL may have used poor judgement in his affairs...but his wife met him the same way.....and so did his ex that he dated for many years...they knew just what they were getting into....
I am tired of defending women that do not think any more of themselves then that....
And as I previously stated. I am not defending DL, I am against the Black Mailer for trying to get rich at someone else's expense....This black mailer was threatening to expose all the women that DL had sex with....and you find that OK?
Extortion is a very serious crime punisable by 30 years in prison....that should tell you something if nothing else does....
I can see that you've never worked in an environment where one of the employee's was boinking with the boss. If you think for a milisecond that behavior is condusive to good, office politics, you are sadly mistaken.
Some people can't get anywhere in life unless they're busy selling themselves in one way or another. Disgusting isn't the word.
How would you feel if your promotion was put on hold while someone with no talent other than between the sheets with the boss got it? Would that be okay with you?
Some women have stood up for themselves and told the boss where to go, but they end up being kicked to the curb. Is that okay with you?
No one I've seen on these boards is saying that Halderman shouldn't be convicted of his criminal behavior. I hope he's put away for a good, long time.
That still doesn't give Letterman the right to do what he's done, because no matter how you look at it, he hurt a lot of innocent people, starting with his wife and son. He's just plain dirty.
forensicpsy~
10-12-2009, 10:46 AM
I found this story in "The National Enquirer" of all places. :rolleyes:
It says Letterman was into "dressing up." :laugh: I knew there was more to the story.
Guess they're not gonna let it die.
www.nationalenquirer.com
BoredMember
11-12-2009, 02:23 PM
See, not being a Hollywood insider, I did not understand it was common practice for screen plays to be left in talk show host's cars.
:laugh::laugh:
Lavinya
11-13-2009, 02:41 PM
Dave's wife says to get out! (Per National Enquirer)
http://www.nationalenquirer.com/david_letterman_sex_scandal_birkitt_haldeman_regin a_/celebrity/67666
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