I was a bit confused. I believe this was going on while he was married, but he left it open for the audience to wonder if it happened before he got married. Shame on him.

"People in glass houses............"

This is the guy who made sexual jokes about Sarah Palin's 14-year-old daughter. Ug, what a sick man. I used to be able to watch the late night shows and get a laugh out of them, but Letterman and others have become so hateful that it's simply impossible to watch their shows. Lucky for Letterman that this news story will last about 10 minutes and then everyone will forget about it.

folk, I stopped watching him when he became hateful. Hateful and cruel. I was appalled at what he said about SP's daughter. He can hate on SP, but leave the kids out of it. Oh, he does leave kids out of it unless they're republicans. ;) The republicans are going to have a field day with this. lol. I may have to watch FOX news tonight. hee.

It's not so much that he cheated, but he took glee in cutting down others in a public way on his show, when they cheated.

Mona, he and his wife lived together for 20 years before they got married this year. How embarrassing for her.

I never watch him and I really don't get into the celebrity lifestyles, rumors, etc. whatever it is they are up to, so it's really of no interest to me.

Most live a different kind of life that the regular Joe.

Oakleyok,I watched his tale last night and though it was a serious matter he made light of it. And he used "women" rather than "woman"....how many did he dilly-dally with, I wonder?

I do feel for his wife. Even though they only officially married last March, being together for 20 years made her his common-law wife.

He was married before and he has admitted that the marriage did not survive because he cheated on his wife many times. At the time of the interview he said he was so sorry for his immature behavior and said he was a different person now.

What is it people say about a leopard changing its spots?

Thank god you guys keep me abreast of the latest news, lol.... I had not heard.

Nothing surprises me anymore but honestly, what a jerk. Of course he had to admit this before the story leaked to the press. How many staff members, over what period of time, I'm sure we'll find out soon.

Not classy at all. Not too smart either.

I just want to know who would have an affair with David Letterman. I mean, have you seen the man?

I seem to remember something like that going on with Bill Maher, also. Maybe even him talking about it. I doubt it's uncommon. Alhough I also doubt the married likes of a Jay Leno would be hot to trot with all the ladies like that. Lots of women undoubtedly throw themselves at these guys.

I guess power and money and fame must be a terrific aphrodisiac to some women. How else to explain Woody Allen's "sex appeal"?

LOL auntjen, I was wondering the same thing when I heard the story.

When I got home a bit ago I put the TV on the last hour of the Today Show, the one with Kathie Lee Gifford hosting, which I never watch. lol. (I watch the first two hours of the Today show), and they were talking about it and it dawned on me that David REALLY made fun of Frank and KL during the time Frank cheated on her. KL didn't say anything, but you knooowww she was thinking it. :)

Well there ain't nothin' new about that!

Then there are the supermodels who marry, say, K. Richards of the Stones :shudder: or the guy from the Cars (Paula whats-her-name married whatever his name is). It was love at first sight for her. The LAFS part is what I can't understand : /

I like funny guys (not DL or BM!), so Woody doesn't surprise me, gettin' the girls. Too bad he completely lost his marbles though. That's another story.

Oh, and the girls may not have been too cute, either!

"Even though they only officially married last March, being together for 20 years made her his common-law wife."

No it does not.

New York does not have "common law marriage" laws on the books. States that do, have much more criteria to meet in order to recognize common law marriage than just dating for a number of years and then living together.

Regina Lasko, who is now married to Letterman, (for less than a year) was one of his staffers when they began their relationship. Why would this come as a shock that he dates staffers? Letterman was divorced in 1977 and remarried in 2009. If he didn't date anyone during that time I think that would seem odd. He also publicly dated another staffer a number of years ago.

I'm glad to see that Joe Halderman has been arrested. Blackmail is never OK. Supposedly, and according to news reports, Halderman was angry that Letterman had dated his current girlfriend.

I don't understand how so many think Letterman's looks play into this though. Regina Lasko was no beauty either and she isn't 62y/o like Letterman is.

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Unfortunate, but hardly surprising. Kudos to Letterman for not playing the John Edwards/Mark Stanford card.

Looks have never had much to do with attraction except for the shallow minded and even ugly people can have a sexual magnetism that defies understanding. Just as beautiful people can repel... there is so much more to attraction than looks.
I am personally surprised by the men I have found attractive, compelling even, and one was fat. But I would never find a cruel or mean man (or lazy), no matter how handsome he was, attractive.

States that do, have much more criteria to meet in order to recognize common law marriage than just dating for a number of years and then living together.

Not exactly. In Texas, all it takes to be considered common law is to be in agreement that you are living together as a married couple and represented your union as such.

Q: What makes a common law marriage?
A: Three elements must be present to form a common law marriage in Texas.
First, you must have "agreed to be married."
Second, you must have "held yourselves out" as husband and wife. You must have represented to others that you were married to each other. As an example of this, you may have introduced you partner socially as "my husband," or you may have filed a joint income tax return.
Third, you must have lived together in this state as husband and wife.

I wouldn't call that "much more criteria."

As for looks entering into it ... just my own personal opinion. I happen to think that David Letterman resembles a gap-toothed frog, and a most unattractive one at that.

And the plot thickens...

I've wondered recently whatever happened to Stephanie Birkitt? Remember her? Guess she's been a busy girl. ;)

Here is a link that might be useful: Stephanie Birkitt

Interesing how he doesn't seem to go for the supermodel type. Birkitt looks a lot like his wife, don't you think?

There are so many ways people can live their lives. As long as they are not hurting anyone or doing anything illegal, it's really no one else's business.

At least he didn't do some mealy-mouthed denial.

There are so many ways people can live their lives. As long as they are not hurting anyone or doing anything illegal, it's really no one else's business.

Do you think we're obsessed/fascinated with extramarital affairs in this country? Sometimes it seems that way to me. It's such juicy gossip fodder. In some other countries, the subject doesn't garner so much attention. I don't think that has anything to do with the frequency of occurrence in other countries either, as it's plenty prevalent here in the U.S.

Did he cheat or did he/she have an open relationship/marriage?

It's very possible that they had that arrangement and may still do.

Jim

Jim, from what I've heard so far the trysts/affairs happened before he was married.

I heard the affairs happened before he got married but during the time he and Regina Lasko were living together.

IMHO, that's still considered cheating on your partner.

In addition, if these women he fooled around with received promotions while they were involved with Letterman and others can prove they didn't advance in their careers because they wouldn't play, then maybe there will be some lawsuits in the future.

We don't know what kind of agreement DL may have had with his girlfriend, now wife. I know married people who are not monogamous but chose to stay married for a variety of reasons. I think that is a decision they make between themselves.

I am not defending DL in any way, but when I saw the clip, it didn't appear to me that he was intentionally making light of it, but that the audience thought he was joking.

Things I don't get:

• Why so many are interested in the initimate details of others lives.

How so many quickly jump all over a public figure for doing what so many of us and those around us have done. OK, before you start the "not me"s and the "not my spouse"s, the statistics are pretty clear. It isnt just tv personalities, politicians and basketball stars are having affairs. How a woman could be so shallow as to suggest that a man doesnt deserve love, sex or marriage if he isnt beautiful. Imagine the uproar if a man posted the same thing about women on here. Why so many spend so much energy, time and thought on how strangers are live their lives.

This crap is news because we, as a nation, FEED on it. Surely there are better things for us to read, discuss and spend out energy on. It is embarrassing to me.

Funkyart, all true, but don't forget you opened and read this thread before commenting on it as have others with similar sentiments (on other forums). If there were zero interest wouldn't it fly under the radar?

The title of this thread does not really say much, so opening it does not indicate a prurient interest.

The first thing I thought when I saw the title was that he had another heart attack and then thought that maybe he was a victim of another crazy person. Which turned out to be true. There was a blackmail attempt that was foiled. A few years ago there was a plot to kidnap his son and hold him for a 5 million dollar ransom. Before that he had been stalked by a schizophrenic woman who repeatedly broke into his home. I'm sure there have been more incidences that have not been publicized. And remember his emergency quintuple heart bypass operation? Reading a title like *David Letterman..uh oh* made me think he may have had a heart attack and was hanging by a thread clinging to life on a hospital bed. I thought that another great American icon was ready to pass on.

The news is that there was a blackmail attempt and that he may have abused his power over his staff and may be dropped by the networks. If there are no women complaining about workplace forced sexual relationships I think this whole thing will blow over. Letterman always made fun of hypocrites like politicians touting 'family values' who get caught with mistresses and illegitimate offspring, or televangelists who preach fire and brimstone for homosexuals and then get caught with their pants down at a gay brothel. He made fun of hypocrites - not people who just live quiet lives as homosexuals or swingers or whatever. I really don't care at all that he and Regina were "living in sin" for 8 years or that they had an "illegitimate" son or that they may be swingers. Nor do I obsess on his level of handsomeness to women.

He is safe. He is healthy. The bad guys in this story have been caught and will go to jail. That's the news today.

Let's hope that's the way it rolls!

Was flipping channels last night and landed on Headliners & Legends on MSNBC. They were re-running a Letterman biography that ended with a quick update of recent events. I've enjoyed his talent and special brand of comedy through the years. Hope the extortion creep gets what he deserves!

His girlfriend, now wife, has let him get away with it all these years, so if this is how she wants to live, so be it. She knew how he was before she was stupid enough to have a child with him and marry the guy. I don't feel sorry for her one bit!

Funky, why don't you go back and reread my OP. I did the topic because DL takes pride in making fun of other's cheating sex lives on his TV show, while he's been doing the same thing! It's the ONLY reason I posted it.

It doesn't matter if they married this year or not, he was living with her, she was his girlfriend, mother of his child, so he still cheated.

Its not cheating if all parties involved know about it.

I think the notion of the weak innocent female victim is sexist toward females and a holdover from the 19th c. when a woman without a man *truly had no place in acceptable society.

Women, particularly in the socioeconomic groups enjoyed by celebrities have the choice to stay or go. Those that stay have made the choice to stay for their own reasons, whether it be status, riches or some form of security...whatever. That is up to them.

I am very cynical but I *assume that people in powerful positions are used to getting what they want, (including sexually) and tend to put themselves first, in general.

Oakley, here is a tip that you may find helpful while navigating the message boards: not all posts to a thread are directed at you. It doesnt matter if you start the post or not. It is a public discussion. It isnt your private party.

I don't get that so many are fascinated by these topics-- that is my point. It's not about YOU, it is about the entire population. The media wouldnt be responding to what one or two people want to hear about-- as a NATION, we soak this crap up.

Had I responded to you, individually, I would have pointed out that comedians poke fun at everything-- including their own selves. Yet, again, it supports my point. Comedians give us the jokes that we respond to. It's a business afterall. He doesnt stand alone as the only one making jokes about public figures caught doing something wrong-- the industry pokes fun at public figures embezzling, cheating, making spectacles of themselves. Again, we feed on that. Look at the comedy from another era, it isnt so focused on public figures or their private lives.

What I do agree with is that David Letterman's schtick has become rather bitter and nasty. I watched him for many years-- and have even been in his live studio audience. I don't watch him anymore though because I don't find him entertaining but clearly many still do.

We, as a nation, have lost focus on what is important in this world. WE. I am a member of the same public.

And for the record, I had no need to reread your post. I read it and each that followed in the discussion. I am a very capable and accomplished woman. I have no problem comprehending the english language or the written word. I don't appreciate your condescending tone. Perhaps that works in your world but it sure doesnt earn my respect in a forum of peers.

David Letterman having affairs in his office = no big deal.

Someone arrested for trying to extort a couple million dollars from David Letterman = interesting stuff.

I don't quite appreciate being told I'm "shallow" because I said I couldn't imagine anyone being attracted to David Letterman or Woody Allen. But if that makes you feel better to say so, have at it. I may be "shallow" but some of you are just plain mean.

Jen - haven't you ever felt an *attraction* or thought someone sexy regardless that they were not *good looking*??? I have always thought Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) sexy, but to me, he's certainly nothing to look at. Of course, that's my view on his looks. Someone else may think he's gorgeous. I've often wondered about one of my husband's good friends - for years he was unmarried. Granted, he is not especially physically attractive, but he is one of the most loving, caring, compassionate men I know. That has always drawn me to him, in a friendship way, but for years I told my husband what a wonderful partner he would make for some woman. And he did!

Truly, I'm just curious. I'm not saying you are shallow or trying to be mean, I'm just plain curious. Please don't think otherwise!

I think Funky's response was dead-on regarding much of society's obsession with celebrities. They are people, just like us. To be honest, there are not many who I would want to trade places with.

tina

I certainly didnt intend to be "mean".. I didnt even associate the comment with a specific person. However, it is something I don't "get" and I stand by what i said-- it is a shallow view of a person (and love) to see only their exterior. I also believe that you/we would jump all over a man who made the same kind of comment.

Of course I understand that attraction. I don't necessarily find picture-perfect men desirable. My point was that I personally find Letterman extremely unattractive. I feel like I'm being told I'm "shallow" for stating my opinion as such. Maybe I'm taking it too personally, but some of the comments just really hit me the wrong way.

Your comments were pretty strong, Jen, and you went further than to say you found him unattractive.

"I just want to know who would have an affair with David Letterman. I mean, have you seen the man?"

"I happen to think that David Letterman resembles a gap-toothed frog, and a most unattractive one at that. "

I wouldn't have singled them out had you not taken such exception to my post. I didnt extrapolate or misconstrue your comments. You were very clear.

I did not single out any one person in my original post- it wasnt about any one person. I shared what bothered me in this thread, in the many others like it, and in life, in general. I don't get how much we enjoy seeing others' flaws. I am surely not without them-- none of us are.

Perhaps I should have kept my thoughts to myself.. but being a discussion, I didnt think I would offend anyone. I was sharing my perspective and looking for thoughtful discussion.

I had series of 14 hr work days and learned of a death in my circle-- so perhaps my words weren't soft enough or chosen carefully enough, but I don't believe I was off base.

I don't want to analyze every post because then I would have to pay attention and read them :) but I certainly wasn't even subtly implying you were shallow Auntjen - the last thing I would ever think of you being- It was just a comment in general - I was mainly thinking of people who say "He's Hot!" without caring a bit about a personality. Or people who get fixated on a celebrity they know nothing about except looks wise.

I could care less about David L.and have never had an opinion on him one way or the other as I have never seen his show. Yep, that's right.

Alright, Funkyart. I have no desire to "debate" something this trivial with you (or anyone).

I appreciate those of you who clarified that your "shallow" comments weren't directed at me, though. It's not always easy to figure out exactly what others are trying to convey, and sometimes all too easy to jump to conclusions and misread intent.