It’s been three decades since Monica Lewinsky became a household name, and now she’s reflecting openly on the scandal that changed her life forever.
The 51-year-old activist recently shared her thoughts on the complex emotions and realities behind her infamous affair with former President Bill Clinton — a story that captivated the world and shaped her life in unexpected ways.
Monica Says It Felt Like Love But Recognizes It Was An Abuse Of Power
In a heartfelt conversation on Elizabeth Day’s podcast How To Fail, Monica admitted that yes, it felt like love from her perspective at the time.
“It was 22 to 24-year-old young woman’s love,” she explained.
Yet she also acknowledged a harsher truth: “I think it was also an abuse of power.”
She described the feelings involved as a mix of “limerence” and other emotions, painting a picture of someone caught between youthful infatuation and the imbalance in their relationship.
The ‘Bimbo’ Narrative That Was Forced On Her By The White House
Monica also talked about how her reputation was shaped unfairly in the aftermath.
Despite landing her White House job on merit, she was branded a “bimbo” — a label she fought hard against.
“I wasn’t a dumb bimbo,” she said bluntly, recalling how she’d worked at the Pentagon and traveled internationally with senior officials before her affair began.
She described how this false image was pushed aggressively by the White House and then picked up by the media and even some women in the public.
“That was a big struggle for me to deal with,” Monica said.
The Scandal That Led To President Clinton’s Impeachment
The fallout from Monica’s affair with Clinton was massive.
After multiple denials, Clinton publicly admitted responsibility in August 1998.
The scandal led to his impeachment and sent shockwaves through American politics and culture.
Monica’s Struggle With Public Scrutiny and Mental Health
Since the scandal broke, Monica has opened up about the toll it took on her mental health.
She stepped back from public life, revealing feelings of despair and even suicidal thoughts as she was relentlessly pursued by reporters and mocked on TV.
When asked if she would want to erase that painful chapter if given the chance, Monica didn’t hesitate: “Oh, sure.
I love and appreciate who I am now, but I would’ve liked a more normal life.”
Monica Reflects On Losing Her Future Because Of The Scandal
In another recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Monica spoke about how the affair cost her her future.
At just 22, she was thrust into the spotlight as a young intern involved with the 49-year-old President of the United States.
She shared how quickly the narrative turned against her, painting her as “a stalker, mentally unstable, not attractive enough.”
Lessons Learned About Power, Mistakes, and The Cost To Women
Monica now views the whole situation through a lens of learning and awareness.
She said, “Because of the power dynamics, and the power differential, I never should’ve been in that f***ing position.”
She emphasized the broader damage caused by her public shaming, not only to herself but to women of her generation, who witnessed her being torn apart for her sexuality and mistakes on the global stage.
Where To Hear More From Monica Lewinsky
For those interested in hearing Monica’s full story and candid reflections, her conversation is available on How To Fail with Elizabeth Day, which you can listen to wherever you get your podcasts.