Over 30 years ago, Monica Lewinsky, a 22-year-old White House intern, became the center of a national scandal that dominated media coverage. Her name was dragged through public scrutiny, often turning into the subject of jokes and harsh criticism. At the time, Lewinsky had little control over her story, but now at 51, she is reclaiming her voice and sharing her experience on her own terms, evolving from a symbol of scandal into a survivor.
In 1998, when her relationship with President Bill Clinton became public, the media response was overwhelmingly negative. Instead of recognizing the power imbalance, Lewinsky was judged harshly on her appearance and motives. Reflecting on the past, she recently described the situation as an “abuse of power” rather than a youthful romance, acknowledging the significant disparity that few acknowledged then.
Labelled a “bimbo” and a home-wrecker, Lewinsky faced severe social and professional consequences while Clinton’s career remained largely unaffected. The smear campaign left her isolated and struggling to find work for years afterward, a struggle she didn’t anticipate lasting so long. She has called herself “patient zero” of online shaming, recalling the harsh personal attacks and the toll it took on her mental health.
Despite the challenges, Lewinsky transformed her pain into advocacy. She has become a prominent voice against cyberbullying, giving TED Talks and writing about shame, resilience, and healing. She embraces her story, scars and all, as part of her identity.
Lewinsky’s journey reminds us that behind public scandals are real people, urging society to reflect on whether it has truly progressed or merely shifted cruelty into digital spaces. Her story calls for empathy and deeper understanding rather than judgment.
