Monica Lewinsky, the American author, activist, and former White House intern, has built a net worth of $1.5 million as of 2025. Born on July 23, 1973, Lewinsky gained worldwide attention due to her involvement in a scandal with then-President Bill Clinton between 1995 and 1997. Despite facing intense public scrutiny, Lewinsky has emerged as a vocal advocate against cyberbullying and a strong supporter of the #MeToo movement. Let’s delve into her life, career, and how she transformed her experiences into positive change.
What Was Monica Lewinsky’s Early Life Like?
Monica Lewinsky was born in San Francisco, California, to Marcia, an author, and Bernard, an oncologist. Growing up in Los Angeles, she came from a Jewish household with a strong educational background. After her parents divorced in 1987, Monica attended a variety of schools, including Sinai Temple’s school, Sinai Akiba Academy, and Beverly Hills High School. In 1991, she graduated from Bel Air Prep before enrolling at Santa Monica College. Later, she transferred to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where she earned a degree in psychology in 1995.
How Did Monica Lewinsky Enter the White House?
In 1995, after completing her college degree, Monica Lewinsky became an unpaid intern at the White House, working in Chief of Staff Leon Panetta’s office. By December of that year, she secured a paid position in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. Lewinsky’s life would forever change as she became involved in a high-profile affair with President Bill Clinton, which ultimately led to an impeachment trial for Clinton, though he was acquitted.
What Happened During the Clinton Scandal?
Between 1995 and 1997, Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton had a series of sexual encounters, which Lewinsky later testified to. In 1996, she was transferred to the Pentagon due to concerns about her proximity to the president. It was at the Pentagon that Monica confided in co-worker Linda Tripp about the affair, and Tripp began secretly recording their conversations. In 1997, Lewinsky denied the affair under oath in a legal case filed by Paula Jones, though Tripp had already given the tapes to independent counsel Kenneth Starr, who was investigating the Clintons.
The revelation of a blue dress containing evidence of their affair forced Clinton to admit in 1998 that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with Monica. Monica was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony, but the scandal had already significantly damaged her reputation.
How Did Monica Lewinsky Respond to Public Scrutiny?
The aftermath of the scandal left Monica Lewinsky in the global spotlight. She became the subject of ridicule and public shaming, which Monica later described as an experience of PTSD. To cope with the media frenzy, Monica turned to knitting, which helped her process the overwhelming attention. Her personal life became the focus of intense scrutiny, but she continued to pursue different avenues of work.
How Did Monica Lewinsky Navigate Her Career After the Scandal?
After the scandal, Monica Lewinsky sought to rebuild her life and career. In 1999, she co-wrote a book, Monica’s Story, with author Andrew Morton. The book received a significant advance, reportedly $500,000, and offered Monica’s perspective on the affair. In addition to writing, Lewinsky ventured into business, launching a handbag line under The Real Monica, Inc. Her products were sold in high-end stores such as Fred Segal and Henri Bendel.
Monica also appeared in the media, including a highly-publicized interview with Barbara Walters in 1999, which drew an audience of 70 million viewers and earned her $1 million. She later guest-starred on Saturday Night Live and became a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig in 2000, although her endorsement deal was cut short amid controversy.
How Did Monica Lewinsky Become an Anti-Bullying Advocate?
In 2014, Monica Lewinsky began using her platform to speak out against cyberbullying. Having experienced immense public shaming during and after the scandal, Lewinsky became a prominent voice for victims of online harassment. She joined the anti-bullying organization Bystander Revolution as an ambassador and strategic advisor. In 2015, she delivered a TED talk about the dangers of cyberbullying, which was widely praised for its candidness and vulnerability.
Monica also began writing for Vanity Fair and contributed to other platforms discussing issues of public shaming, mental health, and the negative effects of social media. Her advocacy work aligned with the growing #MeToo movement, where she became a vocal supporter, emphasizing the need for a culture of empathy and understanding in the face of public scrutiny.
How Did Monica Lewinsky Contribute to “Impeachment: American Crime Story”?
In 2021, Monica Lewinsky played a key role in the production of Impeachment: American Crime Story, a miniseries focusing on the scandal between President Clinton and Lewinsky. The series starred Beanie Feldstein as Monica and Clive Owen as Bill Clinton. Monica not only served as a producer on the show but also provided her perspective on the events that unfolded, ensuring the portrayal of her story was as accurate and respectful as possible.
The series highlighted the complex dynamics of power, gender, and privacy in politics, drawing significant attention to the emotional and psychological toll of public shaming.
What Is Monica Lewinsky’s Personal Life Like Today?
Monica Lewinsky has been very private about her personal life since the scandal. In 2021, she shared with PEOPLE magazine that she dates but prefers to keep her romantic life out of the spotlight. She currently resides in San Francisco, California. Although Monica has faced a challenging public life, she has remained focused on her advocacy work and career, helping to change the conversation around bullying, public shaming, and online harassment.
What Does the Future Hold for Monica Lewinsky?
As of 2025, Monica Lewinsky continues to use her platform to fight against cyberbullying and advocate for greater accountability in public life. Her role in producing Impeachment: American Crime Story marked a significant moment in her career, as she reclaims her narrative and moves forward with dignity. While her past will always be part of her story, Lewinsky has shown immense resilience, using her experiences to help others and bring attention to important social issues. With her net worth of $1.5 million, she is an example of someone who has faced adversity and turned it into a force for positive change.
