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 who gained international notoriety in the late 1990s due to her affair with then-U.S. President Bill Clinton while she was a White House intern (1995-1997). The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal became a major political event, leading to Clinton's impeachment trial. Since then, Lewinsky has become an activist, speaking out against cyberbullying and advocating for a more compassionate online environment.

Sections (5)

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

1992: Affair with Andy Bleiler Alleged

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

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.

1995: Affair with Bill Clinton Begins

In 1995, Monica Lewinsky began an affair with then U.S. President Bill Clinton while she was working as a White House intern.

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 Starts Recording 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.

1997: Affair with Bill Clinton Ends

In 1997, Monica Lewinsky's affair with then U.S. President Bill Clinton ended. The repercussions of the affair, including Clinton's impeachment, became known as the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.

January 1998: Affidavit Denying Relationship with Clinton

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

January 1998: News of Clinton-Lewinsky Relationship Breaks

In January 1998, news of the Clinton–Lewinsky relationship became public. Monica Lewinsky spent the next weeks hiding from public attention in her mother's residence.

January 26, 1998: Clinton Denies Relationship with Lewinsky

On January 26, 1998, President Bill 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 Defends Previous Statements

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

June 1999: Ms. Magazine Publishes Articles on Lewinsky

In June 1999, Ms. magazine published a series of articles by writer Susan Jane Gilman, sexologist Susie Bright, and author-host Abiola Abrams discussing Lewinsky's behavior and its implications for feminism.

February 2000: Jenny Craig Commercials

In February 2000, Monica Lewinsky began appearing in television commercials for the diet company Jenny Craig, Inc. as part of a $1 million endorsement deal.

April 2000: Jenny Craig Campaign Ends

In April 2000, Jenny Craig, Inc. concluded Monica Lewinsky's campaign entirely and paid her only $300,000 of the $1 million contracted for her involvement.

October 2017: Tweets #MeToo

In October 2017, Monica Lewinsky tweeted the #MeToo hashtag to indicate that she was a victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault, but did not provide details.

March 2018: Essay in Vanity Fair

In March 2018, Monica Lewinsky wrote an essay in the March 2018 issue of Vanity Fair in which she addressed her use of the #MeToo hashtag and reflected on her relationship with Bill Clinton, considering it an "abuse of power". She also revealed her diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder due to the aftermath of the scandal.

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May 2018: Disinvited 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.

September 2018: Walks off Stage at Jerusalem Conference

In September 2018, Monica Lewinsky spoke at a conference in Jerusalem. During the Q&A session, she walked off stage after being asked an off-limits question about whether Clinton owed her a private apology.