Letterman Lawyers Fight Restraining Order
SANTA FE, N.M. - Attorneys for television talk show host David Letterman want a judge to quash a restraining order granted to a Santa Fe woman who contends the celebrity used code words to show that he wanted to marry her and train her as his co-host.
A state judge granted a temporary restraining order to Colleen Nestler, who alleged in a request filed last Thursday that Letterman has forced her to go bankrupt and caused her "mental cruelty" and "sleep deprivation" since May 1994.
Nestler requested that Letterman, who tapes his show in New York, stay at least three yards away and not "think of me, and release me from his mental harassment and hammering."
Attorneys for Letterman, in a motion filed Tuesday, contend the order is without merit and asked state District Judge Daniel Sanchez to quash it.
"Celebrities deserve protection of their reputation and legal rights when the occasional fan becomes dangerous or deluded," Albuquerque attorney Pat Rogers wrote in the motion.
Nestler told The Associated Press by telephone Wednesday that she had no comment pending her request for a permanent restraining order "and I pray to God I get it."
Sanchez set a Jan. 12 hearing on the permanent order.
Letterman's longtime Los Angeles attorney, Jim Jackoway, said Nestler's claims were "obviously absurd and frivolous."
"This constitutes an unfortunate abuse of the judicial process," he said.
Nestler's application for a restraining order was accompanied by a six-page typed letter in which she said Letterman used code words, gestures and "eye expressions" to convey his desires for her.
She wrote that she began sending Letterman "thoughts of love" after his show began in 1993, and that he responded in code words and gestures, asking her to come East.
She said he asked her to be his wife during a televised "teaser" for his show by saying, "Marry me, Oprah." Her letter said Oprah was the first of many code names for her, and that the coded vocabulary increased and changed with time. [...]
It really is sad that this woman does not seem to be getting the medical care she needs, and that the court agreed to even a temporary order in the first place.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at December 21, 2005 12:32 PMThe real shame is the Judge is not getting the medical help he really needs.
Posted by: Larry Anderson at December 21, 2005 12:36 PMExactly.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 21, 2005 01:03 PMThat judge really IS nuts if he issued a restraining order based on THAT complaint. You know, I don't envy celebrities their fame at ALL. Letterman has had stalkers and other assorted hangers-on on his case for years--wasn't there some woman who moved into his house and held herself out to be Mrs. Letterman while he was out of town a few years ago? Or am I thinking of someone else?
Posted by: Stan at December 21, 2005 01:08 PMNope, Stan--you're right. That one's hounded him for years.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 21, 2005 01:17 PMWhat about the fruit loop that was going to kidnap his little boy last year?!?!? I also don't envy them their fame. They could donate to Tex's Christmas fund if they want but they can certainly keep their notoriaty.
Posted by: Tex at December 21, 2005 02:06 PMThe only good thing in this story is at least this woman is wanting Letterman to stay away from HER. Even if the restraining order isn't vacated, I don't think she has much to worry about--many things he might be, but a stalker is probably not one of them.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 21, 2005 02:09 PMIf she is successful in keeping the restraining order, then she is on the path to an eventual injury settlement.
Distress "caused" by Letterman - judge upholds it with restraining order - she files a civil suit for damages - he either fights it and spends big lawyer $$ or settles out of court for less $$. Some justice!?!
Posted by: MarcV at December 21, 2005 02:18 PMGood point--I still cannot understand why this judge issued this order to begin with. Unless, you know, he's working for Leno or something.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 21, 2005 02:56 PMSo maybe this judge will grant a restraining order for all policemnen to stay away from me, they make me nervous
Posted by: Ian at December 22, 2005 07:41 PM::chortle:: But do they call you Oprah?
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 23, 2005 07:44 AM