Letterman admits affairs, claims extortion

Los Angeles: David Letterman acknowledged on Thursday`s show that he had sexual relationships with female employees and that someone tried to extort $2 million from him over the affairs. During the taping of his CBS late-night show in New York, Letterman discussed receiving a threat to either pay $2 million or risk the relationships being made public. In a release from the show`s producer, Letterman said he referred the matter to the Manhattan district attorney`s office and that an investigation ended in an arrest Thursday. Letterman did not identify the person he said was arrested. As part of the investigation, Letterman said he issued a "phony" $2 million check to the individual and the arrest followed — along with testimony by Letterman. "This morning, I did something I`ve never done in my life," said Letterman. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury." In his testimony, he said he acknowledged sexual relationships with members of his staff. "My response to that is, yes I have," Letterman said. "Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would. I feel like I need to protect these people. I need to certainly protect my family." CBS spokesman Chris Ender said Thursday that "Letterman`s comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves." Letterman and longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko married in March. The couple began dating in 1986 and have a son, Harry, born in November 2003. Bureau Report