Despite Lewinsky’s suggestion that she may have been “naive” to even think such a scenario could have happened, Cooper, aged 30, expressed his agreement with her, stating, “I agree with you. That is exactly how it should have been handled.”
Monica Lewinsky is now expressing her determination to reclaim the fallout from the Bill Clinton scandal through her new podcast. Lewinsky, who was just 22 when her sexual relationship with the 49-year-old Clinton began, faced intense media scrutiny when news of their affair surfaced. Clinton initially denied any sexual involvement with Lewinsky before eventually admitting to an inappropriate relationship. The House of Representatives voted to impeach Clinton, although he was ultimately acquitted in the Senate and retained his position.
Lewinsky recalls being unjustly portrayed as a “stalker” and a “bimbo” during the height of the scandal, but over time, many have come to view the situation more sympathetically, acknowledging the significant age gap and power dynamics at play. Lewinsky credits the younger generations, who did not experience the scandal firsthand, for prompting a reevaluation of the events. She notes that the younger individuals approached the story objectively, without the influence of past biases or media narratives.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the scandal, Lewinsky revealed that it took her nearly a decade to fully grasp the impact of the ordeal. Following her graduation, she struggled to secure employment, leading her to realize the extent of what she had lost. Despite this, Lewinsky has never received an apology from the major players involved in the scandal. She remarks that while a few individuals have expressed regret over their decisions, no formal apologies have been extended to her. Lewinsky emphasizes that she has reached a point where she no longer requires these apologies for closure.
Since 2014, Lewinsky has become increasingly vocal about the scandal, advocating against online bullying and public shaming. She delivered a TED Talk on the topic in 2015 and produced a documentary titled “15 Minutes of Shame” in 2021. Her recent podcast, “Reclaiming,” features conversations with prominent figures such as Olivia Munn, Kara Swisher, and Alan Cumming. Throughout the podcast, Lewinsky delves into her personal experiences, emphasizing her journey towards reclaiming her identity and overcoming the challenges she faced in the aftermath of the scandal.
In a candid discussion with Cooper on “Call Her Daddy,” Lewinsky explains that the podcast’s title, “Reclaiming,” signifies her mission to pave a new path for women who have experienced similar challenges. She aims to empower women to navigate the complexities of being labeled as a “fallen woman” and to rise above societal expectations.
