Monica Lewinsky has recently opened up about her past with former President Bill Clinton during the February 25, 2025 episode of the podcast "Call Her Daddy" hosted by Alex Cooper. The interview marks another chapter for Lewinsky as she reflects on the scandal surrounding her affair with Clinton over 25 years ago, asserting firmly, "I think the right way to handle a situation like [the affair] would have been to probably say it was nobody’s business and to resign." This statement echoes the regrets she has harbored over the years about the events leading up to the impeachment of Clinton and the ensuing media frenzy.
For those unfamiliar with the timeline, the affair began between Lewinsky, who was then just 22 and interning at the White House, and Clinton, the 49-year-old President. Their connection grew from 1995 until it became public knowledge during the investigations spearheaded by Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, initially related to other allegations against Clinton. This debacle led to the second impeachment of a sitting U.S. president.
Lewinsky's candidness about the situation extends beyond personal feelings; she has expressed concern about the broader impact of the scandal on women of her generation. "There was so much collateral damage for women of my generation to watch a young woman to be pilloried on the world stage – to be torn apart for my sexuality, for my mistakes, for my everything," she stated during the podcast. This perspective emphasizes the harsh scrutiny and negativity directed at her at such a tender age, drawing attention to the societal repercussions of the affair.
Throughout the years, Clinton has remained steadfast, claiming he felt terrible about the ramifications of how Lewinsky's life was defined due to their affair. He remarked, "I feel terrible about the fact Monica Lewinsky’s life was defined by it, unfairly I think," during the 2020 documentary "Hillary." Despite acknowledging the unfairness of the situation, he has voiced disagreement with the notion of resignation, stating he believed he was wrongly impeached.
Bringing up the dynamics of power and consent, Lewinsky shared her thoughts on the significant age and authority gap between herself and Clinton, noting, "I was 22, literally just out of college." Her experiences highlight how vulnerability can be exacerbated by existing power hierarchies, drawing attention to compelling discussions around sexual ethics and workplace relations.
Reflecting on her tumultuous years following the scandal, Lewinsky stated her perspective has matured. She has transformed painful memories and public ridicule by advocating against online bullying and creating her own podcast, "Reclaiming," where she shares insights on personal experiences and societal issues. This growth shows her intent to reshape the narrative surrounding her life and to advocate for others who find themselves unfairly targeted by public scrutiny.
Overall, Lewinsky's reflections highlight not only her personal recovery but also signify larger social conversations about misogyny, accountability, and the tendencies of media narratives to disproportionately affect women. A quarter of a century later, she continues to push for change, seeking to reclaim agency over her story and help reform how society views individuals caught in similar controversies.