Taping his first episode of The Late Show with David Letterman yesterday since his stunning admission last week that he'd had sex with female employees, the host apologized to his wife, Regina Lasko, and his entire staff on the air.
It may not instantly fix his reputation, but it was heartfelt.
Of Regina, he said "She has been horribly hurt by my behavior, and when something happens like that, if you hurt a person and it's your responsibility, you try to fix it."
"At that point, there's only two things that can happen.
"Either you're going to make progress and get it fixed, or you're going to fall short and perhaps not get it fixed, so let me tell you folks, I got my work cut out for me."
The late night host married Regina Lasko, with whom he has 5-year-old son Harry, on March 19 of this year in Choteau, Montana, after more than 20 years of dating.
Presumably, although details remain unclear, he was dating Lasko at the time of his office relationships with Stephanie Birkitt, Holly Hester and possible others.
Letterman also took the time to apologize to the entire staff and Worldwide Pants production company, saying "I'm terribly sorry I put the staff in that position."
"The staff has been wonderfully supportive to me," he added, thanking them for "once again, putting up with something stupid I’ve gotten myself involved in."
CBS was quick to post the clip online (having yanked Letterman's admission from last week). Dave ended his apology by apologizing to ... Sarah Palin. Funny.
Dave reiterated that despite his regrettable and inexcusable behavior, he is the victim of an (alleged) crime, and was being blackmailed about these affairs.
Typically, the 62-year-old also tried to find whatever humor there is. In his opening monologue, he began with three shots at himself in about 30 seconds:
- "Didn't the weekend just fly by?"
- "I tell ya, right now I'd give anything to be hiking on the Appalachian trail."
- "You know, I got into the car this morning and the navigation woman wasn't speaking to me."
Follow the jump for a video of David Letterman's apology ...
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18 Comments
October 6th, 2009 10:54 AM
What is the big deal what late night talk show host or star asn't had an afair. Come up with something better. I do have to say this the girl that had an afair with him must of been hard up!!
October 6th, 2009 11:06 AM
This poor guy. He had sex with a woman when he wasn't exclusive with anyone else. That woman happened to work for him. Big freakin deal. He shouldn't have to apologize to anyone, let alone during his own show. The guy who tried to extort him is a criminal and should be tried as such. HE's the bad guy here, not Letterman.
October 6th, 2009 11:24 AM
It really shoudn't be this big of a deal, he slept with women on his show before he was married however he was still with Regina, so my suggestion would be to stop saying your sorry to her on national TV I think you have embaressed her enough work on your "im sorrys" at home without a camra.
October 6th, 2009 11:37 AM
now he is sorry....hahhahaha
October 6th, 2009 11:59 AM
WOW never saw that coming!
October 6th, 2009 12:03 PM
I really feel bad for his wife!
October 6th, 2009 12:12 PM
By keeping Letterman, CBS has become Columbia Broadcasting Sex.
October 6th, 2009 6:18 PM
she shouldnt forgive him.
October 6th, 2009 8:58 PM
I think David Letterman is a pig.His wife should not forgive him she should divorce him and take him everything he's got.
October 6th, 2009 9:45 PM
wow he was open about the incident