NOW Criticizes Letterman, CBS

Women’s group says comic promoted “toxic environment” at “Late Show.”

The National Organization for Women is criticizing David Letterman for creating "a toxic environment" on CBS’ "The Late Show With David Letterman." 

In the wake of an attempt to blackmail him for $2 million, Letterman admitted to having had sex with female "Late Show" staffers.

NOW called on CBS " to take action immediately to rectify" the toxic situation at "Late Show," but added, "With just two women on CBS’ board of directors, we’re not holding our breath."

In a statement, NOW said, "Recent developments in the David Letterman extortion controversy have raised serious issues about the abuse of power leading to an inappropriate, if not hostile, workplace environment for women and employees.

"In the case of Letterman, he is a multimillion-dollar host of one of the most popular late-night shows; in that role, he wields the ultimate authority as to who gets hired, who gets fired, who gets raises, who advances and who does entry-level tasks among the ‘Late Show’ employees," NOW said.

"As ‘the boss,’ he is responsible for setting the tone for his entire workplace — and he did that with sex. In any work environment, this places all employees — including employees who happen to be women — in an awkward, confusing and demoralizing situation.

"Most women can attest to the fact that many workplaces are plagued with inappropriate behavior by men in power," NOW said. "The latest Letterman controversy sheds new light on the widespread objectification of women in the workplace."

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