Monica Lewinsky, former White House intern and now a talk show host, has reintroduced her story through her new podcast, Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky. The 51-year-old has opened up about her past relationship with former President Bill Clinton, which became the centerpiece of one of the biggest scandals in U.S. history. In this podcast, Lewinsky shares raw details about how she became emotionally involved with Clinton, and the impact it had on her life.
In the first episode, which aired on February 17, Lewinsky took listeners on a deep, emotional journey of her life as a White House intern, the consequences of falling in love with her married boss, and the media storm that followed. The episode was 74 minutes long, and in it, Lewinsky candidly revealed that she believed she mattered more to Clinton than she actually did.
Falling in Love with the President
Lewinsky admitted to developing feelings for Clinton during her time working in the White House, despite knowing he was married. She explains, “I sort of fell in love with D.C. and the White House, and the job, and the environment. And then, very unfortunately, I fell in love with my boss, who was married and also the most powerful man in the world.” She went on to describe the affair, which lasted for two years, as “inappropriate,” but filled with real emotions.
In her podcast, Lewinsky reflects on how she believed there was a future for them, which ultimately wasn’t the case. She says, “I think I believed that I mattered a lot more than I did.” This admission has sparked significant reactions from fans and social media users, many of whom are eager to hear more about Lewinsky’s perspective on this complex chapter in her life.
The Impact of the Scandal
The affair became public in 1998, and its revelation led to a political storm that affected the Clinton presidency. The scandal was exposed during the Whitewater investigation, which investigated alleged misconduct by Clinton during his first term. Monica’s name was dragged into the spotlight when Linda Tripp, a fellow White House employee, secretly recorded conversations she had with Lewinsky. Tripp was also responsible for saving the infamous blue dress that would later become a key piece of evidence in the scandal.
Lewinsky spoke about the painful experience of being secretly recorded. “Linda Tripp was investigated in Maryland for having surreptitiously tape recorded me because it’s illegal. It’s a two-party state in Maryland, so both people have to know they’re being recorded and give consent, which I clearly did not give consent to,” she explained.
While Clinton was acquitted and completed his presidency, the damage to Lewinsky’s life was profound. She recalled the deep personal and financial toll the scandal took on her. “Once what felt like the investigation was over and the impeachment was over, I was now this public person trying to navigate a very new normal — which was anything but,” Lewinsky said.
Financial and Emotional Struggles
The financial impact of the scandal was harsh for Lewinsky and her family, who were forced to pay over a million dollars in legal fees. Lewinsky shared how she was made to participate in an authorized biography to help settle these debts. “There was just a sense of unfairness,” she said. “I had made mistakes, but it felt like there was one set of rules for most people, and somehow, I had to abide by a different set of rules.”
The emotional toll also took a heavy toll on Lewinsky. In one of the most vulnerable moments of the podcast, Lewinsky shared how close she came to taking her own life after the scandal. “I came closest to not wanting to be here anymore because I didn’t realize how much I had lost,” she admitted. She went on to explain how she struggled with anger and frustration, feeling unable to move forward.
Public Response and Support
Lewinsky’s podcast has been met with mixed reactions from listeners. Many supporters praised her honesty and vulnerability. One fan wrote on Instagram, “Speak your truth! Forget what everyone says,” while another commented, “I’m curious if you feel differently about ‘the relationship’ now that you are older (and wiser). You have taken a lot of the shame but you really were the prey.”
Lewinsky has also received support from people who admired her courage. One listener wrote, “I’m old enough to be your mother but I’ve learned so much about fortitude, courage, and injustice, from you.” These responses indicate that, after all these years, Lewinsky continues to gain support for her bravery in discussing her past.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some critics dismissed her podcast, with one person writing, “Why are you still telling this story…nobody gives a flyin’ FIG!!! SU.” Despite the mixed responses, Lewinsky is determined to continue sharing her side of the story, shedding light on the personal struggles of being thrust into the public eye.
Moving Forward with “Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky”
Through this podcast, Lewinsky hopes to provide an honest and unfiltered look into the consequences of becoming a public figure overnight. She aims to highlight the lasting impact of the scandal and the challenges of rebuilding her life. For Lewinsky, this podcast is a powerful step toward reclaiming her narrative and offering a reminder of the human cost behind political headlines.
