Like probably millions of other busybodies I am, at the moment, caught up in the whole David Letterman scandal. My interest is that it is a compelling story involving a high-dollar blackmail plot against a very unique entertainer whom I happen to like.
Also grabbing my attention is the fact that the guy who allegedly tried to extort $2 million out of Letterman over the star having sex with co-workers, Robert Haldeman, is himself an Emmy-winning television producer. Information from an arrest warrant for the man also says that the suspect lived at one time with one of the women with whom Letterman was having an affair. That woman, Stephanie Birkitt, has been seen many times on “Late Night With David Letterman.” Birkitt — who hosted Winter Olympic coverage on the show in 2002 and 2006, is not accused of any crimes. It appears just to be a pawn in the alleged blackmail.
I have no feelings one way or the other about any who are involved in this saga, at least from the standpoint of their involvement or non-involvement. I think Letterman was smart to get out in front of this. I always thought Birkitt was cute and funny cast as a faux airhead. I actually thought she would one day go somewhere in show business.
The problem with this type of story is we will get sick of it because it will be cussed and discussed ad nauseum as the media has a propensity for dead horse beating. The reason is that the media, in most cases correctly, assumes the public always wants more of a great story especially one involving celebrities. Another factor is that the media is lazy. It is easier to continue milking a story for every last drop than crawling around out in the trenches looking for news.
So I guess I will enjoy the story until it starts getting on my nerves. When it comes to news, one must know when to say when.
Spelling error report
The following text will be sent to our editors: