Monica Lewinsky Breaks Down: Recounting the Trauma After Clinton Scandal

MONICA LEWINSKY CRUMBLES INTO TEARS AS SHE RECALLS THE DEVASTATING AFTERMATH OF HER SCANDAL WITH BILL CLINTON

In a poignant and emotional moment, Monica Lewinsky was reduced to tears as she spoke about the "aftermath" of her infamous affair with former US President Bill Clinton. The 52-year-old activist, who has long been open about the trauma she suffered after the scandal broke in 1998, choked back sobs as she reflected on the impact it had on her life and those around her.

The emotional outburst came during a screening of Hulu's "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox" at Eagle Rock's Vidiots theatre. Lewinsky, who executive produced the series alongside the wrongly accused Knox herself, was discussing the parallels between their stories and the scrutiny that Knox faced after her trial became a media sensation.

As she began to speak, Lewinsky revealed how she had drawn inspiration from her own experiences as a young woman thrust into the spotlight. "When we started this project, it was a time when we were beginning to revisit some young women's narratives from the past through a more modern lens," she explained. "I myself had had that experience and so it's to show yet again what happens when young women are thrust onto the world stage and feasted on by the media."

But as she delved deeper into the topic, Lewinsky's composure began to crack. "And I think some of what really moved me in the finale was... showing the aftermath, because it's very hard for people to understand that this happens, not just to a person, but to a family," she said, her voice trembling.

The consequences of being scrutinized by the media can be far-reaching and devastating, Lewinsky continued. "As hard as the trauma can be to survive, surviving the aftermath is sometimes harder." Her words hung in the air as she struggled to compose herself, Knox reaching over to comfort her as the audience watched in silence.

Lewinsky's own experience with the media was nothing short of brutal. After it emerged that she had a nearly two-year affair with Clinton when she was just 22 and he was 49, she became the subject of intense scrutiny and ridicule. The White House, under Clinton's leadership, was accused of orchestrating a "bimbo" narrative to discredit Lewinsky, painting her as an untrustworthy and unprofessional young woman.

In a recent interview with Elizabeth Day on her podcast How To Fail, Lewinsky spoke candidly about the ordeal, admitting that she had been in love with Clinton at the time. "I think there was some limerence there and all sorts of other things, but that's how I saw it then," she said. "I think it was also an abuse of power."

But what followed was a relentless barrage of criticism and ridicule from both the media and members of the public. Lewinsky has spoken about being portrayed as a "stalker" and "mentally unstable" by some, with her appearance and sexuality also coming under attack.

"I wasn't a genius, by no means going to be the cream of the crop," she insisted in an interview this year. "But I wasn't a bimbo. I wasn't a dumb bimbo." The damage to Lewinsky's reputation was severe, with many questioning her character and motives.

It's a testament to Lewinsky's strength and resilience that she has been able to speak out so candidly about her experiences in recent years. "I love and appreciate who I am now," she said, "but I think for so many different reasons, I would've liked a more normal life."

The aftermath of the scandal had far-reaching consequences for Lewinsky's personal life, with reports suggesting that she struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression in the years following its public exposure. In recent interviews, she has spoken about how it took her time to come to terms with what happened.

"I think there was a lot of collateral damage for women of my generation to watch a young woman being pilloried on the world stage," Lewinsky said this year. "To be torn apart for your sexuality, for your mistakes, for your everything."

In the wake of her emotional outburst at the screening, Lewinsky's bravery and vulnerability have sparked an outpouring of support from fans and admirers alike. The episode serves as a poignant reminder that even two decades on, the impact of being scrutinized by the media can still be felt deeply.