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 who gained international notoriety due to her affair with President Bill Clinton while she was a White House intern from 1995 to 1997. The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal that followed significantly impacted American politics and culture. In recent years, Lewinsky has become an anti-bullying activist, speaking out against online harassment and public shaming, drawing from her own experiences during the scandal. She has also contributed to discussions about the #MeToo movement and the power dynamics inherent in workplace relationships.

Sections (5)

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

March 3, 1999: Barbara Walters Interview

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

March 1999: Publication of Monica's Story

In March 1999, Andrew Morton's biography "Monica's Story", which included Monica Lewinsky's side of the Clinton affair, was published. It was excerpted as a cover story in Time magazine.

Monica's Story

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June 1999: Ms. Magazine Articles on Feminism

In June 1999, Ms. magazine published a series of articles discussing whether Monica Lewinsky's behavior had any meaning for feminism.

2004: Response to Clinton's Autobiography

In 2004, after Bill Clinton's autobiography, "My Life", appeared, Monica Lewinsky gave an interview with the British tabloid Daily Mail.

My Life

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2009: Corresponded with Ken Gormley

In 2009, Monica Lewinsky corresponded with scholar Ken Gormley and wrote that Clinton had lied under oath when asked about their relationship.

2013: Auction of Items

In 2013, items associated with Monica Lewinsky that Andy 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. She became a Vanity Fair contributor afterwards.

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." The series explored various events of the 1990s, including the scandal that brought Lewinsky into the national spotlight. This marked Lewinsky's first interview of this type in over a decade.

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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. At a Forbes magazine "30 Under 30" summit, she shared her experiences following the scandal and expressed her desire to help other victims of online shaming.

March 2015: TED Talk on Cyberbullying

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

June 2015: Anti-bullying Ambassador

In June 2015, Monica Lewinsky became an ambassador and strategic advisor for the anti-bullying organization Bystander Revolution. That same month, she delivered an anti-cyberbullying speech at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

September 2015: Good Morning America Interview

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.

October 2017: Foreword to 'Shame Nation'

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

Shame Nation: The Global Epidemic of Online Hate

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August 6, 2019: American Crime Story: Impeachment Announced

On August 6, 2019, it was announced that the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal would be the focus of the third season of the television series American Crime Story, titled "Impeachment."

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2019: Interview on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

In 2019, Monica Lewinsky was interviewed by John Oliver on his HBO show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver." They discussed the importance of addressing public shaming and how social media might have affected her situation during the scandal in the late 1990s.

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October 2020: Production Begins on American Crime Story: Impeachment

In October 2020, production began on the third season of American Crime Story, titled "Impeachment," which focuses on the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. Monica Lewinsky served as a co-producer for the series.

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June 2021: First Look Deal with 20th Television

In June 2021, Monica Lewinsky started her own production company, Alt Ending Productions, and signed a first look deal with 20th Television.

September 7, 2021: Premiere of American Crime Story: Impeachment

On September 7, 2021, the third season of American Crime Story, titled "Impeachment," premiered. The season portrays the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and is based on Jeffrey Toobin's book, "A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President."

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

In October 2021, Monica Lewinsky served as executive producer for the HBO documentary "15 Minutes of Shame," directed by Max Joseph, which explores the themes of public shaming, online ostracism, and humiliation.

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