Former Letterman Staffer: Show Is a "Hostile Work Environment"

Us Magazine - October 27, 2009 1:22 PM PDT
Story photo: Former Letterman Staffer: Show Is a Statia Photography/Getty ImagesUs Magazine

Another woman once employed by David Letterman has pointed to a less-than-ideal workplace on his long-running show.

In 1990, Nell Scovell became the second female writer ever to be hired for the comic's show. Within six months, however, she had quit what she calls her "dream job."

Why? Late Night with David Letterman was a "hostile work environment" and "demeaning," Scovell claims in an article published today at VanityFair.com.

"My first day as a Letterman writer was one of the happiest moments of my life," Scovell writes. "But it was all downhill after that."

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The TV writer (for Monk, NCIS and Sabrina the Teenage Witch) elaborates:

"Did Dave hit on me? No. Did he pay me enough extra attention that it was noted by another writer? Yes. Was I aware of rumors that Dave was having sexual relationships with female staffers? Yes. Was I aware that other high-level male employees were having sexual relationships with female staffers? Yes. Did these female staffers have access to information and wield power disproportionate to their job titles? Did I believe these female staffers were benefiting professionally from their personal relationships? Yes."

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When Letterman, now 62, asked her of her sudden resignation, "I considered telling him the truth, but with Dave's rumored mistress within earshot, I balked . . . Dave said 'You're welcome back anytime,'" she recalls.

Scovell insists that she isn't after revenge or a windfall. Instead, she says, "I just want Dave to hire some qualified female writers and then treat them with respect."

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Following the disclosure of a $2 million extortion plot against him, Letterman admitted in early October that he'd had sex with female employees. He apologized to his wife, Regina Lasko, on air. "She has been horribly hurt by my behavior, he admitted. "I got my work cut out for me."

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  • Oracle
    Freaking PATHETIC
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 11:26 PM PDT
  • Oracle
    Look at me !...I worked for someone 20 years ago, and now they are in the news !...I can get paid a million dollars, for giving my two cents. LOOK AT ME !
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 11:25 PM PDT
  • Oracle
    Hey, look at me !...make me famous !
    report abuseposted October 30, 2009 11:22 PM PDT
  • Hgjfg
    LOL... Search "ec4bag" on google to Get High quality luxury bags, 100% genuine leather, only $98-$198, Free shipping worldwide, WOW... Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Miu Miu, Dior, Hermes, Chloe, D&G and UGG boots
    report abuseposted October 27, 2009 5:57 PM PDT
  • Judy
    for Wil Mo....I just gotta say OJ..
    report abuseposted October 27, 2009 1:50 PM PDT
  • MarcJay
    Is this "work environment" described above, at Late Night isolated or is it fairly common-place in TV land? Please advise.
    report abuseposted October 27, 2009 1:42 PM PDT
  • wil Mo
    like every other macho pervert, he will be able to get away with this sleezy %@!*# he is doing because he is rich. let a black man do it and you will see what the circumstances will be. this is a one sided justice act.. if you are not rich and white you will do time, but if you are rich, a pat on the ass ,and they will let you go free.. that is the way justice is in the world...we need true people
    report abuseposted October 27, 2009 1:37 PM PDT
  • sunflower
    bull crap you want ur fifteen minutes of fame
    report abuseposted October 27, 2009 1:16 PM PDT

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