On his late night talk show Thursday, David Letterman shocked fans by revealing that someone tried to extort him over "sexual relationships" he had with female employees.
"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life," Letterman, 62, told his audience. "I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury."
He said he had received a package from an individual who claimed to have information on his flings with female employees and threatened to go to the press unless Letterman handed over $2 million.
Letterman contacted the Manhattan District Attorney's office, who launched an investigation.
Investigators advised Letterman to mail a phony $2 million check to the individual, which led to the extortionist's arrest on Thursday. Police have identified Robert Halderman, 51, an Emmy Award-winning producer, as a suspect.
Asked if he had sexual relationships, "My response to that is, yes I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would," Letterman told his audience. "I feel like I need to protect these people – I need to certainly protect my family."
See today's top celeb news photos
CBS spokesman Chris Ender says "Letterman's comments on the broadcast tonight speak for themselves."
After spending his life as a bachelor, Letterman wed longtime girlfriend Regina Lasko in March. In 2003, they welcomed a son, Harry.