Nell Scovell, who worked for Letterman in the 80s, writes on VanityFair.com that "sexual politics" was a "major part" of her decision to leave after less than a year. She felt that several women staffers were getting preferential treatment because they were in relationships with male execs. "Did I believe these female staffers were benefitting professionally from their personal relationships?" she wrote. "Yes. Did that make me feel demeaned? Completely." Scovell doesn't say she knew of any specific relationships, but claims she was "aware of rumors." Scovell adds that she almost told Letterman why she decided to leave but in the end thought better of it. She explained, "I considered telling him the truth, but with Dave's rumored mistress within earshot, I balked."