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One of the very few female writers on the staff of Late Night With David Letterman revealed the reason she quit the talk show almost two decades ago was because of the sexually charged atmosphere.

Nell Scovell wouldn't name names or dates in her piece for Vanity Fair, but she says what led her to ultimate quit her "dream job" after less than a season was because she felt the affairs Dave and other high-level male execs were having with female employees created a "hostile work environment."

"Was I aware of the rumor 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."


Nell said the her last day on the show, Dave, who never hit on her, summoned her to his office to ask why she was leaving. "I considered telling him the truth, but with Dave’s rumored mistress within earshot, I balked. Instead, I told him I missed L.A. Dave said, 'You’re welcome back anytime.'”