David Letterman reveals he is victim of sex blackmail plot

Chat show host David Letterman made an startling on air revelation on Thursday when he admitted he was the victim of a $2 million extortion attempt and that he had slept with female members of his staff.

The TV personality revealed that three weeks ago he had discovered a package in his car containing proof of "the terrible things I have done". 

It was left by "a guy" who threatened to write a book and screenplay about the broadcaster if he wasn't paid money. 

David decided to take action and told his audience that on that very morning he had testified before a grand jury after participating in a sting operation involving a fake cheque.

Speaking of his testimony, David said: "I had to tell them all of the creepy things that I have done…The creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who work for me on this show."

"I feel like I need to protect these people. I need to certainly protect my family," he added. 

The alleged extortionist – revealed in a statement by CBS to be a producer on US TV show 48 Hours – has been arrested.

David concluded that he had nothing further say at this time and that he hoped he would be able to protect his job.

The 62-year-old broadcaster and his long-term girlfriend Regina Lasko married in March and they have a six-year-old son Harry.