One of our subscribers submitted a request for a fact check on a recent USA Today article discussing Monica Lewinsky’s commentary on her affair with former President Bill Clinton. The article covers her recent interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, where she shared her perspective on the scandal that rocked the late 1990s. Some readers have wondered whether Lewinsky was coerced into the relationship.
Missing Context: The Power Imbalance and Lewinsky’s Own Words
The article provides a broad recounting of past events but lacks deeper analysis regarding issues of consent. While Monica Lewinsky has publicly expressed regret about the affair and spoken about the damaging power dynamics at play, she has never explicitly stated that she was forced into it. The article fails to clarify this crucial distinction, leaving room for misinterpretation.
Lewinsky, who was a 22-year-old White House intern at the time, has spoken about how the relationship developed within an extreme imbalance of power. She has acknowledged—both in interviews and her writings—that while the affair was consensual, she now understands how the power gap between a sitting U.S. president and an intern complicates notions of consent. The article touches on “renewed scrutiny over the age gap and power imbalance” but does not expand further, leaving out key context that could help readers navigate this complex issue with a clearer understanding.
Misleading Language: Framing of Clinton’s Role
The article states that Clinton “initially insisted he did ‘not have sexual relations with’ Lewinsky but later admitted he did have an inappropriate relationship with her.” While factually accurate, this phrasing minimizes Clinton’s efforts to mislead both the public and investigators. Clinton’s infamous denial on national television and subsequent admission only came after DNA evidence surfaced, making his earlier statements demonstrably false. This critical detail is glossed over in the article.
Bias: Framing of Lewinsky’s Rehabilitation Versus Clinton’s
The piece mentions Lewinsky’s modern-day activism against bullying and public shaming, contrasting it with her earlier reputation as a “bimbo” and “stalker.” While this reflects reality, it conveniently avoids mentioning that Bill Clinton has largely rehabilitated his own image despite impeachment. The disparity in how both figures have been treated by the public and media is an essential aspect of this story, yet the article focuses more on Lewinsky’s resilience rather than examining Clinton’s lack of consequences in equal depth.
The Verdict: No Evidence Monica Lewinsky Was Forced Into the Relationship
Based on Lewinsky’s own words throughout the years, there is no evidence to support claims that she was forced into an illicit relationship with Bill Clinton. However, the power dynamics significantly complicate how the relationship should be viewed. The article misses an opportunity to fully explore this nuance, instead providing a broad-strokes recap of events without critical analysis regarding coercion or informed consent.
Want Fact-Based News? Stay Informed with DBUNK.
At DBUNK, we ensure that misinformation and missing context don’t go unchecked. If you come across articles that seem to omit key details or frame information in a misleading way, submit them to us for a thorough fact check. Download the DBUNK app today and take control of the truth.
