Monica Lewinsky Reflects on Power Dynamics in New Podcast

NEW YORK — Monica Lewinsky, known for her high-profile affair with former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, attended George Clooney‘s Broadway premiere of “Good Night, and Good Luck” on April 3, drawing attention from Hollywood A-listers and the public.

Wearing a strapless, asymmetrical black gown with ruffle detailing, Lewinsky smiled for photographers as she made her entrance at the event. The night saw the presence of other celebrities, including Cindy Crawford and Hugh Jackman, further spotlighting Lewinsky’s continued reintegration into public life.

Nearly three decades after her scandalous affair with Clinton, which led to his impeachment trial in 1998, Lewinsky’s life has taken a dramatic turn. At the time, Lewinsky was a 22-year-old White House intern, while Clinton was 49. Despite the public backlash she faced, Lewinsky has reinvented herself as an author, speaker, and activist.

Since resurfacing in the public eye in 2017, she has contributed to Vanity Fair and launched her podcast, “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky,” where she discusses navigating personal and societal challenges. In her latest articles, she tackles themes relevant to the current political climate, including the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

“Every week, I’ll draw from my own unique experiences (like surviving a global scandal at 24 years old),” Lewinsky stated about her podcast, which has featured guests like Olivia Munn and Tony Hawk.

Lewinsky has also been vocal about the treatment she received during the Clinton scandal and the broader impacts on women. In a February appearance on the podcast “Call Her Daddy,” she remarked, “I think there was so much collateral damage for women of my generation to watch a young woman be pilloried on a world stage.”

Reflecting on her past, Lewinsky explained the complexities of her youth and the dynamics of power at play during her affair with Clinton. “At 22, there was this combination of awe — the awe of being at the White House and the awe of the president,” she said, adding that many young women might experience similar situations within different environments.

In past interviews, she stated that she no longer seeks an apology from Clinton. “I feel incredibly grateful not to need any of that,” she shared, emphasizing a sense of closure she has achieved over the years.

Lewinsky’s journey has ignited discussions about the intersections of power, gender, and public perception. She aims to raise awareness about the long-term effects of such public scrutiny on individuals caught in similar situations, especially women.