An attorney for the man who allegedly tried to extort $2 million from David Letterman appeared on NBC’s Today show Oct. 5. Gerald L. Shargel, who represents alleged blackmailer Robert “Joe” Halderman, told Today host Ann Curry that Letterman and prosecutors have misrepresented his client’s actions. Shargel declined to provide many further details. “I’m not about to share more information on day four of a trial or a case, but I will say this,” the lawyer said. “The case described by the prosecution makes absolutely no sense.” (Watch the video at People.com.)
Oct 5
2009
11:06 AM ET
Alleged David Letterman extortionist's lawyer appears on 'Today'
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2 million dollars – that’s it – doofus – no wonder Dave let the cat out of the bag. anyway – so he has sex with staffers – is that anything to write home about these days – really pick a better person to blackmail
Why did Mr. Shargel appear on television? It was fairly obvious he was not comfortable there and he did not answer any questions, however innocuous. Any time he was pressed for details, he repeated the “you should be uncomfortable with the case as it’s presented” mantra, but didn’t elaborate. Couldn’t he have said all defendents are innocent until proven guilty? Or more honestly, he could have said, I don’t want to be on tv but I’m being forced, or I really want to be a famous tv lawyer but I don’t have the personality for it.
dr G – it’s all about the face time – so the blackmailer can get his dues – you know – book, tv deal, maybe even appear on all the assorted daytime tv shows that lend an ear to whatever sob story is front and center now — or he’s just mad that Letterman beat him to the punch with his own announcement
They’re layiing the groundwork to muddy the waters. They’ll probably assert that it wasn’t extortion, but that Letterman was the one who OFFERED the $2 million because he didn’t want a book or screenplay about him being shopped around. They will blame Letterman on this, watch.
I thought the payment was brokered with the auspices of the DA’s office– or did I misunderstand?
Letterman, get a better lawyer.
it’s the extortionist’s lawyer that was on tv this morning, not Letterman’s lawyer.
Could it be that NBC has something to gain by trying to keep this story front and center? After all, Dave has been killing Conan. The interview this morning with the extortionist’s attorney was ridiculous and provided no new info except to try and keep the story out there. If I hadn’t known better I would have sworn I was watching Fox News.
I think Letterman is handling this wonderfully and I am a female viewer. The story is intriguing.
Hey MyMy- this isn’t Dave’s lawyer this is the other guys lawyer…pay attention!
how is this news?
this is news – because – it’s an otherwise slow international news day…
Defense attorneys should stay off television shows–this guy really had nothing to say and I don’t think that this helped his client at all. NBC can’t make Conan any funnier by attacking Dave–they should give it up. I believe that Dave’s ratings will increase.