Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to David Letterman

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to David Letterman.

David Letterman is a renowned American television host, comedian, writer, and producer, best known for his influential late-night talk shows. He holds the record for the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American television history, having hosted a combined 6,080 episodes of 'Late Night with David Letterman' on NBC and 'Late Show with David Letterman' on CBS. His career spanned 33 years, from 1982 to 2015, solidifying his status as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2005: Restraining Order Filed Against Letterman

In 2005, a woman obtained a restraining order against David Letterman in New Mexico, claiming he sent coded messages through his television program, causing her bankruptcy and emotional distress. The case was described as "patently frivolous".

January 2, 2008: Letterman Returns to Late Show with Beard

On January 2, 2008, David Letterman returned to the Late Show after the Writers Guild strike, sporting a newly grown beard in solidarity with the strike.

January 7, 2008: Letterman Shaves Beard on Late Show

On January 7, 2008, David Letterman shaved off his beard on the Late Show, which he had grown in solidarity with the Writers Guild strike.

2008: Sarah Palin Jokes

In 2008, David Letterman made jokes about Palin's 18-year-old daughter, Bristol, whose pregnancy as an unmarried teenager had caused some controversy during the United States presidential election of 2008.

2008: Questions Arise Over Letterman's Workplace Environment

In 2008, following the announcement of David Letterman's affairs, prominent women such as Kathie Lee Gifford and Ann Curry questioned whether Letterman's relationships with subordinates created an unfair working environment at CBS. It was revealed that Worldwide Pants' sexual harassment policy did not prohibit such relationships, although CBS's business conduct policies required supervisors to disclose such relationships to HR.

October 1, 2009: Announcement of Blackmail Attempt

On October 1, 2009, David Letterman announced on his show that he had been the victim of a blackmail attempt by someone threatening to reveal his sexual relationships with female employees.

October 2, 2009: Indictment of Joe Halderman

On October 2, 2009, Joe Halderman was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury following testimony from David Letterman, after being arrested for attempting to deposit a check in the blackmail case.

October 3, 2009: TMZ Reports on Letterman's Affair with Intern

On October 3, 2009, TMZ reported that David Letterman had a year-long secret affair with Holly Hester, a CBS employee who was his intern and a student at New York University, in the early 1990s.

October 5, 2009: Letterman Apologizes to Wife and Staff

On October 5, 2009, David Letterman publicly apologized to his wife and staff on his show following reports of an affair.

2009: Letterman Makes Jokes About Sarah Palin's Daughter

On June 8 and 9, 2009, David Letterman made sexually themed jokes about Sarah Palin's daughter on his TV show, implying she had been "knocked up" by MLB player Alex Rodriguez.

March 2010: Sentencing of Joe Halderman

In March 2010, Joe Halderman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison, followed by probation and community service, for attempting to blackmail David Letterman.

August 17, 2011: Death threat against Letterman

On August 17, 2011, an Islamist militant posted a death threat against David Letterman on a website frequented by Al-Qaeda supporters, urging American Muslims to kill him for joking about the death of Ilyas Kashmiri.