The Biggest Problem for Letterman

People make mistakes. Sometimes they are big ones. I heard on WMAL (a CBS affiliate) yesterday on their national radio news at the top of the hour that Letterman had affairs with "some" women. Presumably "some" means four or more. The problem that Letterman faces is not just the legal liability involved in having sexual relations with subordinates, but also the fact that Letterman has been merciless to others engaged in philandering. Even the New York Times notes this:

David Letterman, who built his career skewering philandering politicians and show business “weasels” and “boneheads,” finds himself in the middle of his own celebrity scandal, after he admitted having multiple affairs with employees of his production company, Worldwide Pants.

For the intensely private Mr. Letterman, the revelations, which resulted from a bizarre extortion attempt, are sure to be extremely embarrassing, especially as he tries to extend his lead in the late-night contest. ”I have had sex with women who work for me on this show,” he told his audience on Thursday night, calling himself “creepy.” He added that he hoped “to protect my job.”

More seriously, they raised questions for both his company and CBS about whether his actions constituted sexual harassment or at least abuse of a power relationship over employees. . . .

For those who have been writing me about the definition of philandering, I suggest that you look it up in the dictionary. One of the definitions is: "To engage in many love affairs, especially with a frivolous or casual attitude. Used of a man."