David Letterman: Ex-writer speaks of uncomfortable environment

David Letterman: Ex-writer speaks of uncomfortable environment

An ex-writer for David Letterman claims to have quit his NBC show in the 1980s because of an uncomfortable work environment in which sexual favoritism prevailed and several female employees benefited from sexual relationships with high-ranking men.

nell Scovell worked on "Late Night with David Letterman" for less than a year. She wrote on VanityFair.com, on Tuesday saying that she quit her job as "sexual politics" was a "major part" of it.

"Did I believe these female staffers were benefiting professionally from their personal relationships?" Scovell writes. "Yes. Did that make me feel demeaned? Completely."

But Scovell didn't confirm the rumored involvement of Letterman, in sexual relationships with other female staffers.

"On my last day at 'Late Night,' Dave summoned me to his office and pressed me on why I was quitting the show. I considered telling him the truth, but with Dave's rumored mistress within earshot, I balked."

In the article, Scovell lays responsibility for the hostile work environment on the traditionally male-dominated world of late-night TV writers; she identifies herself as the second-ever female writer hired by Letterman.

Scovell created the ABC series "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch," and has written for series including "Monk," "Murphy Brown" and "Coach."

Scovell said she doesn't want to file a lawsuit.

The comedian last month admitted on CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" that he had had consensual sexual relationships with female employees.

Scovell has not named the "high-ranking" males or female employees on "Late Night" engaged in relationships.