Katie Frates

She is known only as the woman behind the famous phrase, I did not have sexual relations with
that woman, uttered by then-President Bill Clinton.
Monica Lewinsky has stepped back into the public sphere to explain a side of the story that was
never told. Hers.
It has been almost two decades since the events that came to be known as the Lewinsky scandal,
which defined Bill Clintons presidency and led to his impeachment trial.
In her interview with Vanity Fair, Lewinsky explained why she chose to bring attention back to a
scandal that happened long ago. The goal, she said, is to bring more attention to online bullying.
To get involved with efforts on behalf of victims of online humiliation and harassment,
Lewinsky said. And to start speaking on this topic in public forums.
The article does not just discuss online bullying, though.
Lewinsky discusses the events and the fallout that followed her for years after. She faced
rejections from many different companies. Often, the reasons for rejection were thinly veiled.
I was never quite right for the position, she said. I was right for all the wrong reasons.
Lewinsky was only 22 when the scandal occurred. She was young, impressionable, and interning
for the most important man in the world.
However, Lewinsky does not attempt to place the blame on youthful ignorance.
Sure, my boss took advantage of me, but I will always remain firm on this point, she said. It
was a consensual relationship.
She has done well for herself in the years following the scandal. Lewinsky launched a handbag
line, hosted Mr. Personality, a reality show, and was Jenny Craigs spokesperson in 1999.
What was once an overwhelming obstacle for Lewinsky has now become momentum for her
fight against online harassment.