How Monica Lewinsky Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Monica Lewinsky across different fields.

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

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.

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 2014: Public Stand Against Cyberbullying

In October 2014, Monica Lewinsky took a public stand against cyberbullying, identifying herself as "patient zero" of online harassment and expressing her desire to help other victims of online shaming.

2014: Activism Against Cyberbullying

In 2014, Monica Lewinsky began her activism against cyberbullying, using her past experiences to raise awareness.

March 2015: TED Talk Against Cyberbullying

In March 2015, Lewinsky continued her public advocacy against cyberbullying by delivering a TED talk, calling for a more compassionate Internet.

June 2015: Ambassador for Bystander Revolution

In June 2015, Lewinsky became an ambassador and strategic advisor for the anti-bullying organization Bystander Revolution. Also in June 2015, she gave an anti-cyberbullying speech at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

September 2015: Good Morning America Interview

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

October 2017: Foreword to 'Shame Nation'

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

March 2018: Vanity Fair Essay

In March 2018, Lewinsky wrote an essay in Vanity Fair, reflecting on her relationship with Bill Clinton and characterizing it as an "abuse of power". She also revealed that she had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

August 6, 2019: American Crime Story: Impeachment Announcement

On August 6, 2019, it was announced that the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal would be the focus of the third season of American Crime Story, titled Impeachment, with Lewinsky as a co-producer.

2019: Interview with John Oliver

In 2019, Lewinsky was interviewed by John Oliver on Last Week Tonight, discussing public shaming and the potential impact of social media during the scandal.

October 2020: Impeachment Season Production Begins

In October 2020, production began on the third season of American Crime Story: Impeachment, with Monica Lewinsky as a co-producer.

September 7, 2021: American Crime Story: Impeachment Premieres

On September 7, 2021, the third season of American Crime Story: Impeachment, which focuses on the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal and features Monica Lewinsky as a co-producer, premiered.

October 2021: Executive Producer of '15 Minutes of Shame'

In October 2021, Lewinsky executively produced an HBO documentary called '15 Minutes of Shame', which focuses on public shaming, online shaming, and ostracism.