Nell Scovell, Ex-Letterman Staffer: Workplace Sex Led To 'Hostile' Environment

Nell Scovell is one of only seven females to have ever been hired to write for "Late Night With David Letterman." But despite having bagged what she calls her "dream job," Scovell quit before she could even sign a year-long lease in New York. Why? Sexual politics.

Scovell was hired in 1990 as "Late Night's" second ever female writer--two years after she applied for the job. She sums up her "Late Night" experience in an article for Vanity Fair:

Without naming names or digging up decades-old dirt, let’s address the pertinent questions. 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? Yes. Did that create a hostile work environment? Yes. Did I believe these female staffers were benefiting professionally from their personal relationships? Yes. Did that make me feel demeaned? Completely. Did I say anything at the time? Sadly, no.

Scovell says she balked at giving Letterman the real reason for her resignation because his "rumoured mistress was in earshot." So why is she speaking up now? Because right now, at this moment, "there are more females serving on the United States Supreme Court than there are writing for Late Show with David Letterman, The Jay Leno Show, and The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien combined."

If you ask us, that's not just terrifying, it's wrong. As for how to fix it, read Scovell's whole (and highly-recommended) article here.