David Letterman, who was harassed by a stalker through the early 1990s, was partly serious when he told American Idol judge Paula Abdul she should sue Idol producers and Fox for toying with her and a longtime stalker, who ultimately committed suicide near Abdul's home.

But Abdul, who was on the show to promote a jewelry line, spoke of the incident in a trembly voice, and was probably as serious as Letterman had been when she leapt from her seat as though she would leave the show. There wasn't much real hostility — but plenty of fear. Clip after the jump.

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