Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern at the center of one of the most controversial political scandals in American history, has shared her perspective on the affair with former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast with host Alex Cooper, Lewinsky discussed the significant role of power dynamics in their relationship, which unfolded in the 1990s.
Her remarks have reignited discussions on the public scrutiny she endured, with many asserting that she was unfairly vilified at just 22 years old. In an Instagram post featuring a snippet from the interview, Cooper emphasized this imbalance, stating: “This is a power imbalance at the highest level.”
During the conversation, Cooper highlighted the stark disparity in status and influence, saying: “You were 22 years old. He was 49. You were an intern. He was the President of the United States. There is a clear power imbalance that was never fully acknowledged in media coverage at the time.” She then asked Lewinsky how aware she was of this dynamic at the time.
Lewinsky responded, “I don’t think that was something we talked about very much back then, in the same way that we didn’t have terms like ‘slut-shaming’ or ‘fat-shaming.’” She further noted that it wasn’t until the #MeToo movement gained momentum that society began to scrutinize power imbalances through the lens of abuse of power.
Addressing the evolution of her perspective, Cooper referenced Lewinsky’s past statements, noting that in 2014, she had described the relationship as consensual, but by 2018, she had reconsidered the impact of power dynamics on consent. Asked where she stands today, Lewinsky clarified:
"I am very clear that this was not sexual assault. There was a level of consensuality, but the power dynamics placed me in a situation I should never have been in." She emphasized that the burden of responsibility lies with the individual in the position of greater power—whether due to age, status, or financial influence.
Lewinsky’s remarks have once again sparked broader conversations about power, accountability, and the evolving discourse surrounding consent.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.