Reclaiming the Narrative After 25 Years
Activist Monica Lewinsky has launched her new podcast, Reclaiming With Monica Lewinsky, where she speaks candidly about her past relationship with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. In the first episode, which aired on February 17, Lewinsky said, "I fell in love with Washington, the White House, the job, and unfortunately, I also fell in love with my married boss, who happened to be the most powerful man in the world."
A Shift in Perspective
After years of therapy and self-reflection, Lewinsky explained that her perception of her relationship with Clinton has changed. She added, "At the time, I thought this relationship meant something much bigger than it actually did. I believed I had an important place, but now I realize things were not as I imagined."
The Heavy Cost of the Scandal
Lewinsky revealed that her family paid over a million dollars in legal fees, which placed a significant financial burden on them. She explained, "I felt it was unfair—there was one set of rules for everyone else, but I had to abide by an entirely different set."
Struggles in the Job Market
After the investigations ended, Lewinsky attempted to rebuild her career by enrolling in a graduate program, but she struggled to find a job. She said, "I applied to at least 50 jobs, but it was clear that I wasn’t going to get a chance."
Deep Psychological Struggles
Lewinsky admitted that she had suicidal thoughts following the scandal. She shared, "The hardest times came after the crisis had passed when I realized the extent of what I had lost. Some nights, I would cry and pray that I wouldn’t wake up in the morning."
Life After the Scandal
Despite the challenges she faced, Lewinsky has reinvented herself as an activist advocating for awareness and online bullying prevention. Today, she is reclaiming her story through her new podcast, attempting to redefine herself beyond the stigma of the past.