Monica Lewinsky Exposes Bill Clinton’s ‘Gaslighting’ in Candid Interview
Monica Lewinsky has come forward with gripping insights about her notorious affair with former President Bill Clinton, as she addresses the emotional turmoil she experienced during and after the scandal that marked a significant chapter in political history. In a revealing appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Lewinsky, now 51, opened up about feelings of being manipulated following the public revelation of their 18-month relationship, which began while she was a White House intern.
Lewinsky recounts that after the affair was disclosed, Clinton initially denied having any sexual relations with her—a statement that left her feeling conflicted and deeply humiliated. “I was torn between guilt and the desire to protect him,” she said, reflecting on the shame she felt when the story broke. “To hear the most powerful man in the world label me as ‘damaged goods’ was devastating.”
Host Alex Cooper probed about the White House’s portrayal of her as an “unstable stalker,” while evidence suggested a much more amicable relationship between her and Clinton during the affair. Lewinsky described her experience as a form of gaslighting, saying, “What I went through was gaslighting on a massive scale, and it was truly devastating.”
As she reflects on the fallout, Lewinsky reproached Clinton for not taking responsibility for his actions. “I believe he should have acknowledged the situation in a way that respected all involved. This wasn’t just my story—a lot of lives were affected, including his own.” While she admits to making mistakes, she argues that the dynamics of power in their relationship rendered her position incredibly complex. “Given the power imbalance, I should never have found myself in that situation,” she stated.
The repercussions of their affair ultimately led to Clinton’s impeachment, a historic event driven by the unresolved fallout from the scandal. Although he eventually took accountability, declaring himself “solely and completely responsible” for the relationship, his actions during the scandal created an enduring impact on Lewinsky’s life. Despite this, Hillary Clinton stood by her husband throughout the tumultuous aftermath, highlighting the complicated personal and political complexities surrounding the case.
Lewinsky’s candid discussion serves as a reminder of the unresolved challenges that continue to resonate, both personally and politically, well beyond the affair itself.