Misbehaving on Letterman!
Perhaps you watched my appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman last Friday night. As usual, it was a lot of fun. Because it was Super Bowl weekend, my producers and I came up with a table decorated as a football field. We had football themed party foods including a cheese football – a nut-covered cheese ball in the shape of a football. I was demonstrating how to make it during my segment when Dave started to act up.
1 All of these screaming young fans were there for Justin Bieber. However, they did all chant 'Martha' as soon as they saw me.
2 The paparazzi was out in full force. It's always such an odd sensation being their focus.
3 The long line of fans waiting to get into the Letterman taping
4 Judy Morris - Special Projects Producer - explaining the Superbowl-inspired party demo
5 Charlie Green, my makeup artist, clowning around with the Green Bay Packers cheesehead
6 The football field table ready to be moved onto the set
7 The view from my dressing room - Despite the freezing temperatures, the crowd outside was quite thick.
8 Here I am with actress Pauley Perrette (NCIS) - She taped before I did.
9 Judy briefed me while Charlie touched up my makeup.
10 Posing with Mike Buczkiewicz - Letterman Segment Producer
11 All fixed up and ready for David Letterman
12 I stopped by to say hello to Robert Plant - legendary vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin - He was Dave's musical guest.
13 Attentive Anthony doing some quick hair touch ups in the hallway
14 The very talented hair stylist from Frédéric Fekkai Salon - Anthony Sorensen
15 Biff Henderson is the long-time stage manager of the Late Show with David Letterman.
16 Posing with Matt Roberts - one of the executive producers of the show
17 There was heavy security backstage.
18 Justin Bieber was just a blur as he went on set to do the Top 10.
19 Mike and Judy
20 Paul Shaffer has been the musical director for Letterman since 1982.
21 Melany Lynch - my executive assistant at TV and Jocelyn Worrall - set stylist - enjoying the show backstage
22 There's Justin Bieber doing his Top 10.
23 Everyone back stage was watching the big screen.
24 Susan Magrino, my longtime publicist, looking very chic
25 I was going to demo a really delicious cheese football.
26 Cheesehead Jocelyn
27 This is the gift that I prepared for Dave - a cheese football, crackers, candy, and more. For instructions on how to make this heart-shaped box - http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/
28 Peter Crevier from my TV show helped deliver the special package.
29 Mike was excited to accept the gift and bring it back to Dave.
30 Dave felt badly about his behavior during my segment and sent me these beautiful flowers.
31 His card says it all!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
The food looks delicious, and the heart box of goodies...how could anyone act anything but good after receiving a gift like that? But, we are talking David Letterman, here.
Posted by: Gloria | February 8th, 2011 at 12:16 am
That was a hoot!
David deserved much more than a smattering of food in the face.
Posted by: Lacy | February 8th, 2011 at 1:21 am
You truly are a great sport to take that from Dave. His not is absolutely correct he is an *Beep* At least you got to meet the fab Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto NCIS.)
Dave needs a time out.
Posted by: Sonya | February 8th, 2011 at 1:35 am
Saw it and you were fabulous. As I said in my comment yesterday, Dave is a stinker. Gorgeous flowers! Happy Tuesday! xoxo
Posted by: Preppy 101 | February 8th, 2011 at 2:42 am
I'm sure you find these comments quite tiring. I agree with what he called himself too! As usual you handled the situation perfectly. And you are certainly NOT defined by such an event, rather by what you have achieved and the contribtions you have made to the lives of those that admire you.
Posted by: Ingrid, Melbourne, Australia | February 8th, 2011 at 4:20 am
Martha, that was hilarious! I think if Dave wasn't a married man, you two would make a great couple. What do you think of that Martha?
Posted by: KLBrown | February 8th, 2011 at 5:45 am
Martha, I have followed and been interested in your ideas and style for many years!
Posted by: Meredith Fischer | February 8th, 2011 at 6:52 am
The only reason I watched Fri. was to see you. The way Dave acted was childish and that is why I normally don't waste my time watching him. I was so upset and disappointed when he came back from commercial and you were gone and didn't finish your segment. You should have put the whole bowl over his head and let it sit there.
A little dab of your yummy cheese was too good for him. He really is an "a--hole".
Posted by: Bernice from Ont.Canada | February 8th, 2011 at 9:19 am
There are so many questions that one could ask you and he comes up with that? Consider the source, like you he said a cheap laugh. Next time only aim for the face he deserved a lot worse.
Posted by: Ann | February 8th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Martha, I think that you are way more badass then David Letterman. He was just jealous you have more street credit and the better host! WELL DONE
Posted by: Althea | February 8th, 2011 at 9:44 am
You are such a lady (and he is such an As*)! You definately are not by any one thing - your accomplishments are many!
Posted by: Linda | February 8th, 2011 at 10:24 am
Hi Martha,
You deserve so much more than what Dave dished out to you on Friday night which I already expressed in an email to you so I won’t repeat it here. At least he apologized for behaving like the a-hole he is. Give it a rest Dave! Talk about something new for a change. Sheesh!
~
On another note, I thought I read somewhere that you were on there to talk about your new Pies and Tarts book that is coming out in March. I don’t think I even heard you mention it but of course I was seething after hearing Dave’s remarks so I might have missed it. No matter what, you are always the classy lady which makes me admire you even more. You must know by now that we are here for you so please continue on with all of your worthy endeavors and turn a deaf ear to what Dave has to mutter! Trish
Posted by: Trish @Trish_EllenC | February 8th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Martha your the BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I always enjoy seeing you anywhere.. you handled the Letterman show with perfect grace, as always and you got more laughs then he with your honesty.
Posted by: Roseanne Mazur | February 8th, 2011 at 11:39 am
Hi Martha, You did NOT do a bad thing to Dave Letterman on his Friday TV Show. He asked for it. He always loves to make fun of people daily on his show and sometimes he goes too far. I hate it when people like him, on TV, online, in magazines or newspapers make stupid comments like he did to you. You or any of us should NEVER have to be reminded about things in our past. We know what we did and we always try to improve ourselves just like you do. My Dear Martha, you are a fantastic, positive person and I hope Dave doesn't EVER do anything like that again. Loved your TV Show again, yesterday and listening to you on Sirius Radio 112! I'm sure you found out about Mary Thornberry who was trapped in her apartment in Egypt. Her son Phil Derrick, who lives in Easton, Washington and a lady named Ginger from Arizona were able to get her back here to the USA safely and she was on the Today show yesterday. She will come here to Washington state to get some rest. Have another great day! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 8th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Martha, you were great! Dave's note says it all, of course, we already knew what he is. Super shot to the nose!
Posted by: Sharon Weinmann | February 8th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Attagirl, Martha! Good shot! He was asking for it. ;=D
Posted by: Judy | February 8th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Martha, I thought your appearance with Letterman was great! To me, it is clear that David Letterman really likes you and enjoys having you as a guest. You were a great sport and he enjoyed ribbing you. He let you have the "last word" by giving him an opportunity to taste your cheese dip. It was a lot of fun to watch and I hope David has you back soon...or better yet, tell him he has to come on your show to apologize.
Posted by: Brian | February 8th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Martha once again you proved to be a real lady and Dave less of a gentleman. I think he is losing it!
Kudos to you Martha for taking the high road.
Posted by: Nikki | February 8th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Sorry Martha I do not watch late night TV. I find the tacky way of generating audience approval by the hosts silly. I do not have time for silly and as you always say "learn something everyday". I am sure your presentation was excellent as usual so why bother with the trivial D.L.
Posted by: Margie | February 8th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
I stayed up to watch because you were going to be on. Found Dave was the usual person he is so often. Very disappointed. That's why I don't waste my time watching. Don't like his sense of humor, if that is what it is, just seemed more like a idiot loose.
Posted by: Sharon Key | February 8th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
I did not think Dave was an a$$hole at all! I thought you two were hilarious and just having fun. It was great! I think you should have Dave on your show one morning
I also think Howard Stern owes you a visit after all the times you have visited him! How about an I love NYC allstars show with with Dave, Howard, and Regis 
Posted by: Renee | February 8th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Regarding Dave - admission is the first step to cure. Bravo for keeping your composure.
Posted by: Ellen | February 8th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Loved the show......Dave L was in rare form and the two of you were a riot!!!!! It was like watching Lucy and Desi!
Posted by: GwenG | February 8th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Dear Martha, I think David Letterman has a crush on you, and this is the way he expresses it. Remember how he mocked Sarah Palin? Only later did he admit he really lusted after her. Guess he thought if he degraded you, you would stoop to his level, but you are too classy for him. However, you let him off too easy. One of your looks of disdain would have been more appropriate. You have nothing to be ashamed of Martha. You are a survivor and a GREAT role model, and, unlike David Letterman, you transcend your mistakes. He just grosses me out. Hope some of that cheese you sent him was moldy!
Posted by: Lee | February 8th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
absolutely fantastic segment!martha,You truly rose above,and once again proved to be truly classy & funny!
Posted by: paul Harrison | February 8th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Martha,
you looked so very elegant, loved the emerald earrings too, I couldn't believe he was going to rub himself onto your suit, fortunately you stopped him in time, you are always a lady and it was very rude of him to bring up a previous incident.
Posted by: Aussie gal | February 8th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Enjoyed Rachel Maddow and you discussing Letterman incident as I never watch Letterman, think you helped his ratings..Did appreciate your comments on Egypt revolution, isn't it a wonderful time to be alive and watch miracles of electronic age?
Posted by: ann | February 8th, 2011 at 11:13 pm
I loved this segment!!!! I watched his show to see you and you took that like a sport...in the end, you came out shining...love you!!!!!!
Posted by: Louise Marie | February 8th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Where do I request the recipe and directions to make the cheese-fotball shown on the David Letterman Show? Thank you for the fun time.
Suzanne
Posted by: Suzsnne Felten | February 9th, 2011 at 12:21 am
Martha, I really do learn something from you every day and adore you! You are a classy lady and Dave certainly didn't deserve all you brought for him.
I am proud of you!
Posted by: Luciane | February 9th, 2011 at 8:02 am
wow, you really came back fast. Most people might have dissolved right there on the stage. Good job!
Posted by: carolynn jacoby | February 9th, 2011 at 2:31 pm
Martha, I agree with another post in that David Letterman has a true admiration of you and felt really bad. I must say, it was great when you called him out, very funny to watch. I am hoping other interviewers will take note and leave the whole subject alone. I was disappointed with how much time the subject was given on Oprah too. In that interview there are so many other great questions I waiting to be asked, but sadly they weren't. I do love Oprah, but lets face it, her magazine was inspired by Living magazine, right down to the cover (the colour block in the corner). I noticed you changed the cover of living shortly after that. More attention/acknowledgment should have been given to how you have inspired so many people.
Posted by: Glen Nyhus | February 9th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Martha, you are so adorable. And no one defines you by that long-ago past. It is over. You have conquered. You have evolved. We learn so much from you including how to over ride, stand tall, and have fun - with dignity. Your host was probably tired and sleepy and not thinking straight. I think he loves you just as we love you. You go girl.
Posted by: Aida | February 9th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Martha,
It saddened me to hear you tell David Letterman that all people remember about you is your prison term. Well, if you are going to be judged solely on this incident, I think you should remind people of certain FACTS:
1. You were acquitted of all of the original charges in the case.
2. You volunteered to serve your sentence earlier than required by law.
3. You proved your affinity with those who love "good things" by proudly wearing the knitted poncho given to you by an inmate.
4. After your release you were faced with the huge task of rebuilding your business, which you not only succeeded in accomplishing, but you actually managed to make the company even stronger.
Martha, you showed great courage and dignity throughout your ordeal. Believe me, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Mr. Letterman.
Posted by: Lee | February 9th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
I agree with another reader in that there seems to be sexual tension between you and David! I do think you handled yourself brilliantly, as those questions were so out of the blue.
Posted by: Marybeth | February 9th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
sure wish we could get Martha in Canada - if she can't visit - we could see her on the tube.
Posted by: joan fraser | February 9th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
Dave IS an a@@. I remember when Sophia Loren was on his show promoting her cookbook, she made tiramisu. Dave's mother told him to behave himself and not act like a jerk with the iconic Sophia. For once, he did behave himself.
Posted by: Mary | February 12th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
Way to go Martha! I loved it almost as much as I love all of your shows. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: kmoorekreations | March 1st, 2011 at 12:50 am
Martha,
I am such a fan...have been forever and will be forever...not a real fan of Dave. So there.
Keep doing what you are doing SO WELL and with such humor and style. '
LOVE YOU
Posted by: Alane Sleight | March 28th, 2011 at 11:19 am