Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Monica Lewinsky

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Monica Lewinsky.

Monica Lewinsky is an American activist known for her involvement in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal in the late 1990s. While working as a White House intern from 1995 to 1997, she had an affair with then-President Bill Clinton. The affair became public knowledge, leading to significant media attention, political repercussions, and ultimately, Clinton's impeachment proceedings. Since then, Lewinsky has become an anti-bullying activist and public speaker, focusing on the dangers of online harassment and promoting empathy and resilience.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1992: Affair with Drama Instructor

In 1992, Monica Lewinsky began a five-year affair with Andy Bleiler, her married former high school drama instructor.

November 1995: First Sexual Encounter

In November 1995, Monica Lewinsky stated that she had the first of nine sexual encounters with President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office.

1995: White House Internship

In 1995, Monica Lewinsky began her internship at the White House, which eventually led to her involvement in the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.

April 1996: Transfer to the Pentagon

In April 1996, Monica Lewinsky was transferred from the White House to the Pentagon due to concerns about her time spent with Clinton.

March 1997: Last Sexual Encounter

In March 1997, Monica Lewinsky stated that she had the last of nine sexual encounters with President Bill Clinton in the Oval Office.

September 1997: Tripp Begins Recording Conversations

In September 1997, after Lewinsky told co-worker Linda Tripp about her relationship with Clinton, Tripp began to secretly record their telephone conversations.

1997: End of Affair

In 1997, the affair between Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton came to an end while she was working as a White House intern.

January 1998: Affidavit in Paula Jones Case

In January 1998, Monica Lewinsky submitted an affidavit in the Paula Jones case denying any physical relationship with Clinton, later leading to perjury investigations.

January 1998: News of Affair Breaks

In January 1998, news of the Clinton-Lewinsky relationship broke, leading to intense media scrutiny and public attention.

January 26, 1998: Clinton's Denial

On January 26, 1998, President Clinton stated, 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky,' in a nationally televised White House news conference.

August 17, 1998: Clinton's Defense

On August 17, 1998, Clinton defended his previous statements about his relationship with Lewinsky, arguing about the meaning of the word 'is'.

1998: Truth and Context Lost

In 1998, during the initial unfolding of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, Lewinsky felt that the "truth" and "context" were immediately lost, and that the women involved were reduced to serve other people's purposes for political or monetary gain.

March 3, 1999: Barbara Walters Interview

On March 3, 1999, Barbara Walters interviewed Monica Lewinsky on ABC's 20/20, watched by 70 million Americans.

March 1999: Publication of Monica's Story

In March 1999, Andrew Morton published 'Monica's Story,' Lewinsky's biography detailing her side of the Clinton affair.

June 1999: Feminist Debate in Ms. Magazine

In June 1999, Ms. magazine published articles debating the feminist implications of Lewinsky's behavior.

February 2000: Jenny Craig Ads Stopped

In February 2000, Jenny Craig stopped running the ads featuring Monica Lewinsky due to controversy.

April 2000: End of Jenny Craig Campaign

In April 2000, Jenny Craig concluded Monica Lewinsky's campaign entirely.

2000: Affair Revelation on Larry King Live

In 2000, Monica Lewinsky revealed on Larry King Live that she had an affair with a 40-year-old married man in Los Angeles when she was 18.

March 2002: HBO Special: Monica in Black and White

In March 2002, Monica Lewinsky appeared in the HBO special "Monica in Black and White", answering questions about her life and the Clinton affair.

2004: Response to Clinton's Autobiography

In 2004, Monica Lewinsky responded to Bill Clinton's autobiography, 'My Life', in an interview with the British tabloid Daily Mail.

2009: Correspondence with Ken Gormley

In 2009, Monica Lewinsky corresponded with scholar Ken Gormley, stating that Clinton had lied under oath.

2013: Auction of Items by Bleiler's Ex-Wife

In 2013, items associated with Monica Lewinsky that Bleiler had turned over to Starr were put up for auction.

May 2014: Vanity Fair Essay

In May 2014, Monica Lewinsky wrote an essay for Vanity Fair magazine titled 'Shame and Survival', discussing her life and the scandal.

July 2014: Interview in 'The 90s: The Last Great Decade'

In July 2014, Monica Lewinsky was interviewed in a three-part television special for the National Geographic Channel, titled 'The 90s: The Last Great Decade'.

October 2017: #MeToo Tweet

In October 2017, Monica Lewinsky tweeted the #MeToo hashtag, indicating she was a victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault.

May 2018: Disinvited from Town & Country Event

In May 2018, Lewinsky was disinvited from a Town & Country event after Bill Clinton accepted an invitation.

September 2018: Walk-off in Jerusalem

In September 2018, Lewinsky walked off stage at a conference in Jerusalem after being asked a question about whether Clinton owes her a private apology, a question she had previously said was off-limits.