Monica Lewinsky (often misspelled as “Monika Leveski” in some variations or transliterations) is an American activist, public speaker, writer, and producer. Born on July 23, 1973, she rose to global fame in the late 1990s due to her involvement in a high-profile scandal with then-U.S. President Bill Clinton. Today, she is recognized for her advocacy against cyberbullying and public shaming, transforming a personal crisis into a platform for social change. This article explores her life, the infamous scandal, and her remarkable comeback.
Early Life and Education
Monica Samille Lewinsky was born in San Francisco, California, to a affluent family. Her father, Bernard Lewinsky, is an oncologist, and her mother, Marcia Lewis, is an author. She grew up in Southern California, attending schools in Beverly Hills before enrolling at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1995.
After college, Lewinsky moved to Washington, D.C., securing an unpaid internship at the White House in the office of Chief of Staff Leon Panetta. This opportunity marked the beginning of her entry into the political spotlight. Ambitious and bright, she later transitioned to a paid position in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.
The Clinton Scandal
In November 1995, during a government shutdown, Lewinsky began a sexual relationship with President Bill Clinton. At the time, she was 22 and Clinton was 49. The encounters occurred sporadically until March 1997. Lewinsky confided in a coworker, Linda Tripp, who secretly recorded their conversations.
The affair remained private until 1998, when independent counsel Kenneth Starr, investigating other Clinton matters, expanded his probe to include the relationship. Evidence, including a infamous blue dress with physical traces and gifts from Clinton, surfaced. Clinton initially denied the relationship under oath, famously stating, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky.”
The scandal exploded into public view via the Drudge Report in January 1998. It led to Clinton’s impeachment by the House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. The Senate acquitted him in 1999. Lewinsky faced intense media scrutiny and public vilification, becoming a symbol of the era’s tabloid culture.
Life After the Scandal
The aftermath was devastating for Lewinsky. She endured global humiliation, with media outlets portraying her harshly—terms like “ditzy” or “predatory” were common. Opportunities dried up; job offers were rescinded due to her notoriety. She briefly pursued ventures like a handbag line and hosted a reality TV show, Mr. Personality, in 2003, but struggled to escape the scandal’s shadow.
In 2006, Lewinsky earned a master’s degree in social psychology from the London School of Economics, focusing on the effects of prejudice. She largely stayed out of the public eye until 2014, when she penned a powerful essay for Vanity Fair titled “Shame and Survival.” In it, she reflected on her experiences and the rise of online harassment, marking her deliberate return to public discourse.
Advocacy and Anti-Bullying Work
Lewinsky has reinvented herself as a prominent anti-cyberbullying advocate. Drawing from her own trauma of public shaming in the pre-social media era, she speaks out on the dangers of online harassment. She has delivered TED Talks, including the viral “The Price of Shame” in 2015, viewed millions of times.
She contributes to Vanity Fair, serves as a strategic advisor to Bystander Revolution—an anti-bullying organization—and produced the 2021 documentary 15 Minutes of Shame, exploring cancel culture. In 2021, she co-produced Impeachment: American Crime Story, a FX series dramatizing the scandal, ensuring a more nuanced portrayal of events.
Lewinsky has been vocal about mental health, consent, and power dynamics. In interviews, she has expressed that Clinton should want to apologize personally, though she views the relationship through the lens of imbalance rather than solely victimhood.
Current Life and Legacy
As of 2026, Monica Lewinsky continues her activism, public speaking, and media work. She hosts podcasts and engages in conversations about resilience and reclamation. Unmarried and private about her personal life, she resides in the U.S. and focuses on empowering others facing public scrutiny.
Lewinsky’s story is one of redemption. From a young intern thrust into history’s glare to a resilient voice for change, she exemplifies surviving scandal in the digital age. Her work highlights how society treats women in power imbalances and the lasting impact of public humiliation.
FAQ
Who is Monica Lewinsky? Monica Lewinsky is an American activist, writer, and public speaker best known for her 1990s affair with President Bill Clinton. She now advocates against cyberbullying and public shaming.
What happened between Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton? Between 1995 and 1997, Lewinsky, a White House intern, had a sexual relationship with President Clinton. It led to a major scandal, his impeachment (though acquitted), and intense media coverage.
How old was Monica Lewinsky during the scandal? She was 22 when the relationship began in 1995.
What does Monica Lewinsky do now? She is an anti-bullying advocate, producer (e.g., Impeachment: American Crime Story), writer for Vanity Fair, and public speaker on topics like shame and resilience.
Has Monica Lewinsky written a book? She has not published a full memoir, but contributed essays, including in Vanity Fair, and collaborated on projects retelling her story.
Did Monica Lewinsky apologize? Lewinsky has expressed regret for her role but frames it within power dynamics. She has focused more on societal issues like bullying.
Where does Monica Lewinsky live? She keeps her personal life private but is based in the United States.
Is Monica Lewinsky married? No, she has never been married and maintains privacy about relationships.