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 during the late 1990s. While working as a White House intern from 1995 to 1997, she had an affair with then-President Bill Clinton. The exposure of the affair led to widespread media coverage, a political scandal, and impeachment proceedings against Clinton. In later years, Lewinsky has become an anti-bullying activist and public speaker, addressing the challenges of online shaming and reclaiming her narrative.

Sections (5)

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

November 1995: First Sexual Encounter with President Clinton

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

April 1996: Transferred to the Pentagon

In April 1996, Monica Lewinsky's superiors transferred her from the White House to the Pentagon because they felt that she was spending too much time with President Clinton. At the Pentagon, she worked as an assistant to chief Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon.

March 1997: Last Sexual Encounter with President Clinton

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: Linda Tripp Secretly Recorded Conversations

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

January 1998: Submitted Affidavit

In January 1998, Monica Lewinsky submitted an affidavit in the Paula Jones case denying any physical relationship with President Clinton.

January 1998: News of the Clinton-Lewinsky Relationship Broke

In January 1998, news of the Clinton-Lewinsky relationship broke, causing Monica Lewinsky to hide from public attention. News of Lewinsky's affair with Andy Bleiler also came to light.

January 26, 1998: Clinton Denied Sexual Relations

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 Defended His Previous Statements

On August 17, 1998, President Clinton defended his previous statements by saying, "it depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is".

1998: Truth and Context Lost

In 1998, Monica Lewinsky reflected that during the initial unfolding of the scandal, the truth and context were disregarded. She noted that the women involved were reduced to serve political and financial purposes, lacking nuance in their portrayals.

February 2000: Jenny Craig Ads Stopped Running

In February 2000, Jenny Craig stopped running the Monica Lewinsky ads.

2009: Corresponded with Ken Gormley

In 2009, Monica Lewinsky corresponded with scholar Ken Gormley, who was writing an in-depth study of the Clinton scandals. Lewinsky stated that Clinton had lied under oath when asked detailed and specific questions about his relationship with her.

May 2014: Essay in Vanity Fair: "Shame and Survival"

In May 2014, Monica Lewinsky published an essay titled "Shame and Survival" in Vanity Fair, reflecting on her life and the Clinton scandal. She asserted the relationship was consensual, though she regretted it, and aimed to reclaim her narrative. Vanity Fair then announced her as a contributor.

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October 2014: Public Stand Against Cyberbullying

In October 2014, Monica Lewinsky publicly addressed cyberbullying, identifying herself as "patient zero" of online harassment. Speaking at a Forbes magazine summit, she expressed her desire to support other victims and mentioned being influenced by the suicide of Tyler Clementi. She also joined Twitter to further her efforts.

March 2015: TED Talk on Cyberbullying

In March 2015, Monica Lewinsky continued her anti-cyberbullying advocacy by delivering a TED Talk, advocating for a more compassionate Internet.

June 2015: Anti-Bullying Ambassador and Speech at Cannes Lions

In June 2015, Monica Lewinsky became an ambassador for Bystander Revolution and gave an anti-cyberbullying speech at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

September 2015: Interview on Good Morning America

In September 2015, Monica Lewinsky was interviewed by Amy Robach on Good Morning America, discussing Bystander Revolution's Month of Action campaign for National Bullying Prevention Month.

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October 2017: Tweets #MeToo

In October 2017, Monica Lewinsky used the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter, indicating she was a victim of sexual harassment or assault, without giving specific details.

October 2017: Foreword to Shame Nation Book

In October 2017, Monica Lewinsky wrote the foreword to Shame Nation: The Global Epidemic of Online Hate by Sue Scheff and Melissa Schorr.

Shame Nation: The Global Epidemic of Online Hate

Check it on Amazon

March 2018: Vanity Fair Essay on #MeToo and Bill Clinton

In March 2018, Monica Lewinsky wrote an essay for Vanity Fair, reflecting on her use of the #MeToo hashtag in October. While acknowledging her relationship with Bill Clinton was consensual, she considered it an "abuse of power" due to the age and power dynamic. She also revealed she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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May 2018: Disinvitation from Town & Country Event

In May 2018, Monica Lewinsky was disinvited from an event hosted by Town & Country after Bill Clinton accepted an invitation to the same event.

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September 2018: Speech in Jerusalem and Walk-Off

In September 2018, Monica Lewinsky spoke at a conference in Jerusalem. During the Q&A, she walked off stage after being asked by journalist Yonit Levi whether Clinton owes her a private apology, a question she had previously said was off-limits.

2019: Interview on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

In 2019, Monica Lewinsky was interviewed by John Oliver on HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. They discussed public shaming and how social media's presence during the 1990s scandal could have altered her experience.

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October 2021: Executive Production of 15 Minutes of Shame

In October 2021, Monica Lewinsky executive produced the HBO documentary 15 Minutes of Shame, directed by Max Joseph. The documentary explores public shaming, online shaming, and ostracism.

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