NEW YORK — David Letterman apologized to his wife on last night's "Late Show," saying she had been "horribly hurt by my behavior."

The late-night host vowed to repair his relationship with his wife, Regina Lasko.

"Let me tell you folks, I got my work cut out for me," said Letterman.

Yesterday's show was the first Letterman taped since Thursday, when he disclosed that he had sexual relationships with women who worked for him, and that he had been the victim of an alleged $2 million blackmail threat. During the hour, he also apologized to his staff.

"Inadvertently, I just wasn't thinking ahead," Letterman said. "My thanks to the staff for, once again, putting up with something stupid I've gotten myself involved in."

SWITZERLAND TO RULE ON POLANSKI APPEAL

GENEVA — The Swiss Justice Ministry says it will decide this week whether to grant a request from Roman Polanski to be released from prison.

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli says the appeal by Polanski's legal team is separate from a court case it filed last week that also seeks Polanski's freedom, possibly on bail or under house arrest in Switzerland.
Polanski was arrested Sept. 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.
U.S. authorities asked for the 76-year-old's apprehension and want him extradited for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl. Polanski's victim, Samantha Geimer, has said she has forgiven him. Geimer, who lives on Kaua'i, also has been an outspoken proponent of dropping the charges against Polanski.
Galli said today that Polanski would be immediately released if he wins his appeal to the Swiss Justice Ministry.

RICHIE INJURED IN FENDER-BENDER

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Police report reality TV star Nicole Richie has been hurt in a traffic accident in Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills police Lt. Mike Hill said the 28-year-old Richie was driving a Land Rover on Wilshire Boulevard yesterday when she was rear-ended by a photographer who was driving without a license.
Hill said Richie complained of pain but declined treatment and no ambulance was called.
Hill also said the 29-year-old photographer, Edwardo Arrivebene, was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license.

METHOD MAN ACCUSED OF TAX EVASION

NEW YORK — Grammy-winning rapper Method Man was arrested yesterday in New York City on felony charges for failing to pay his taxes.

The 38-year-old rapper turned himself in yesterday morning. Authorities said he failed to pay nearly $33,000 in taxes through 2004 and 2007. He is being charged with repeated failure to file a return and failure to pay taxes. He could face up to four years in prison.