Accused Tv Producer’s Lawyer ‘letterman Is A Master Manipulator’

DAVID LETTERMAN is a “master manipulator” according to a lawyer representing the producer accused of trying to extort $2 million (GBP1.3 million) from the talk show host.

Letterman revealed during his late night show on Thursday (01Oct09) that he had been blackmailed over his sexual affairs with several female members of staff.

TV producer Robert ‘Joe’ Halderman was arrested in New York on Thursday on charges of attempted grand larceny in the first degree.

Halderman’s attorney Gerald L. Shargel appeared on U.S. breakfast programme the Today show on Monday morning (05Oct09) - accusing Letterman of twisting the truth and promising to reveal evidence at trial that will exonerate his client.

Shargel said, “The case described by the prosecution makes no sense…. The public should not simply take the word of David Letterman at face value or the word of the prosecutor at face value.”

Criticising Letterman, he added, “He has access to the media, he has access to a huge audience. David Letterman didn’t give his side of the story. David Letterman gave what he wanted the public to know. He wanted to get out ahead of the story and that’s exactly what he did. He is a master of manipulating audiences. That’s what he (does) for a living, so to think David Letterman gave the entire story and there’s nothing more to be said is simply wrong.”

Halderman was reportedly involved in a relationship with Letterman’s former assistant Stephanie Birkitt, who allegedly enjoyed an affair with Letterman until 2003.

Letterman married longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko in March (09).