Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern whose affair with President Bill Clinton led to his impeachment, has broken her long media silence. In a piece for Vanity Fair magazine, the 40-year-old writes that she deeply regrets the relationship, describing it as consensual but asserting that the president 'took advantage' of her.
Lewinsky reflects on the scandal that erupted in 1998, when Republicans attempted to oust Clinton from office on grounds he lied about the affair. She writes that she suffered abuse and humiliation, partly because she was made a 'scapegoat' to protect the president. 'The Clinton administration, the special prosecutor's minions, the political operatives on both sides of the aisle, and the media were able to brand me,' she states.
The affair has re-emerged in US political discourse amid speculation that Hillary Clinton may run for president in 2016. Republicans have indicated they will use the Lewinsky matter against her. Senator Rand Paul, a potential presidential candidate, has described Clinton's behaviour as 'predatory'.
Lewinsky, who has since worked as a handbag designer and reality TV host, and earned a graduate degree in London, says she hopes to reclaim her story. She aims to help victims of online humiliation and harassment, and to speak publicly on the topic.
