David Letterman Scandal: Stephanie Birkett Plus Joe Halderman Leaves Rather Baffled

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Share This \| Related David Letterman Scandal: Stephanie Birkett Plus Joe Halderman Leaves Rather Baffled
By Philipa Bourke Oct 10, 2009

Scandal continued for David Letterman this week as the comedian has been rocked by a sex scandal complete with an alleged girlfriend and employee Stephanie Burkett, another intern named "Holly" coming forward, blackmail accusations against another CBS colleague (Robert 'Joe Halderman), the FBI and a $2 million check. Dan Rather has also revealed he is more than baffled by the charges.

Joe Halderman Charges Leaves Dan Rather Baffled (Image: Splash News)

The man accused of attempting to blackmail talkshow star David Letterman for $2 million drew the praise of many colleagues. Robert Joe Halderman, a producer for CBS 48 Hours Mystery, was called a "swashbuckler" of a newsman whose bravery was attested by war postings.

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High-profile CBS news anchor Dan Rather said: "I'm mystified. The Halderman I knew would have never been involved in this but certainly wouldn't have thought it would have been a success." Halderman, who allegedly threatened to expose Letterman's sexual liaisons with staff, was nominated for Emmy Awards for his work on Sarajevo and a bloody assault on a school in Russia.

Halderman's colleagues said they noted he was distressed in recent months when his ex-wife and two children moved cross-country, and his girlfriend, Stephanie Birkitt, moved out of their home in Norwalk, Connecticut. Birkitt, formerly hired as an assistant to Letterman, is alleged to have had an affair with Letterman.

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