In an uncharacteristically personal revelation for David Letterman, the host took to his "Late Show" stage to admit that he was the victim of an extortion attempt - and acknowledge that he has had sexual relations with more than one staff member.
According to a press release sent by Letterman's PR reps, the host first received a package three weeks ago from someone who claimed to have information about alleged sexual relations he has had with female employees of the "Late Show."
The individual threatened to go public with the allegations unless Letterman paid him $2 million.
Letterman told his audience on Thursday that he contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's Special Prosecution Bureau. That led to a sting operation, in which Letterman met with the individual and handed him a fake $2 million check. That person was arrested on Thursday.
"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman said on Thursday's edition of CBS' "Late Show." "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."
As part of the testimony, Letterman admitted that he had engaged in sexual relationships with staff members.
"My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would," Letterman said. "I feel like I need to protect these people -- I need to certainly protect my family."
A Letterman spokesman declined to comment further on the matter, only to say that Letterman will have more to say on Thursday night's program.
Revelation came on what should have been a day of celebration for Letterman, as ratings from week one of the new TV season gave the host his first outright late night victory in four years.
Letterman's revelation may also have an impact on the late night ratings race, as interest in the extortion case perhaps fuels tune-in. It's been an eventful week in the late night sphere, as "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien was rushed to the hospital last Friday after hitting his head on stage.