London, Oct 2  Talkshow veteran David Letterman testified in front of a New York grand jury after becoming a victim of an extortion plot over his sexual affairs with his female staff members.

Contactmusic. com reports that the "Late Show" host revealed to his studio audience during the live taping of Thursday's show that he had been targeted by an unknown individual who had details of intimate relations he had had with female employees. The blackmailer demanded $2 million to keep the information out of the public domain.

Letterman claims he handed over the plot to the Special Prosecution Bureau of the Manhattan District Attorney's office, who went as far as to issue a false cheque to the person.

The star was then asked to provide a testimony for the city's grand jury, in which he confirmed he had sexual encounters with members of his team.

"This morning, I did something I've never done in my life. I had to go downtown and testify before a grand jury. Yes, I have (had sex with employees). Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Perhaps it would. I feel like I need to protect these people -- I need to certainly protect my family," he said.

Letterman married long time girlfriend Regina Lasko in March this year. It is not known when the flings occurred.

A person was arrested Thursday in connection with the extortion plot. (dpa)