Clinton–Lewinsky scandal

Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky on February 28, 1997 A3e06420664168d9466c84c3e31ccc2f

Monica lewinsky

Clinton–Lewinsky scandal was a major political scandal that emerged in the late 1990s, centered around a sexual relationship between Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, and Monica Lewinsky, a 22-year-old White House intern. The scandal led to the impeachment of President Clinton by the House of Representatives and a subsequent trial in the Senate, where he was acquitted on all charges.

Background

The affair between Clinton and Lewinsky took place between 1995 and 1997, but it came to public attention on January 17, 1998, following reports by the Drudge Report. The scandal was further investigated by Independent Counsel Ken Starr, who had been appointed to investigate various other matters surrounding the Clinton administration, including the Whitewater controversy. The investigation into the affair and Clinton's subsequent denial of it led to charges of perjury and obstruction of justice.

Investigation

Ken Starr's investigation culminated in the submission of the Starr Report to the House of Representatives in September 1998. The report contained detailed and explicit descriptions of the encounters between Clinton and Lewinsky, based on Lewinsky's own testimony, as well as evidence from taped phone conversations and other documents. The report accused Clinton of lying under oath and obstructing justice, leading to the initiation of impeachment proceedings.

Impeachment

In December 1998, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Clinton on two charges: perjury to a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The case was then sent to the Senate for trial. After a five-week trial, the Senate acquitted Clinton on both charges in February 1999. The acquittal allowed Clinton to complete his second term in office, which ended in January 2001.

Public Reaction and Legacy

The Clinton–Lewinsky scandal had a polarizing effect on the American public. It sparked a nationwide debate on personal morality, the legality of private consensual acts, and the power of impeachment. The scandal also had a significant impact on the careers of the individuals involved; Monica Lewinsky faced intense public scrutiny and humiliation, while Bill Clinton's presidency was overshadowed by the scandal despite his political achievements.

In the years following the scandal, discussions have continued about its implications for politics, media, and society. The scandal is often cited as a pivotal moment in the evolution of online news and the 24-hour news cycle, as well as in discussions about sexual harassment and power dynamics in the workplace.

See Also

• Impeachment of Bill Clinton
• Starr Report
• Whitewater controversy
• Sexual harassment in the United States

U.S. Political Scandal

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