Fact Check: Bill Clinton cheated on his wife with Monica Lewinsky

The Claim: "Bill Clinton cheated on his wife with Monica Lewinsky"

Introduction

The claim that "Bill Clinton cheated on his wife with Monica Lewinsky" refers to the well-documented sexual relationship between former President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern, during the 1990s. This affair became a significant political scandal, leading to Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998. The details of the affair and its implications have been the subject of extensive media coverage and scholarly analysis.

What We Know

1. Timeline of the Affair: The relationship between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky began in November 1995 and lasted until March 1997. Lewinsky was 22 years old at the time, while Clinton was 49. The affair included various sexual encounters, which Lewinsky later described in detail during her testimony to a grand jury 149.

2. Impeachment and Legal Proceedings: The affair came to light during a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Paula Jones against Clinton. In January 1998, Clinton famously denied having a sexual relationship with Lewinsky during a deposition, which later led to accusations of perjury and obstruction of justice 110. The House of Representatives impeached Clinton in December 1998, although he was acquitted by the Senate in February 1999.

3. Public and Media Reaction: The scandal generated intense media scrutiny and public debate about Clinton's character and the implications of his actions for the presidency. Lewinsky's role in the scandal has also been the subject of significant public interest, often focusing on her age and position relative to Clinton 58.

4. Aftermath: The scandal had lasting effects on both Clinton's presidency and Lewinsky's life. Lewinsky became a public figure and later an anti-bullying advocate, reflecting on her experiences in various interviews and public appearances 8.

Analysis

The sources available provide a mixture of factual recounting and personal narratives regarding the affair.

• Wikipedia is generally a reliable starting point for historical events, but it is important to cross-reference its claims with more authoritative sources, especially regarding sensitive topics like this one 1.

• TIME and Bustle provide timelines and detailed accounts of the affair, which are useful for understanding the sequence of events and the context surrounding the scandal 34. However, as popular media outlets, they may present the information with a certain narrative bias, particularly in how they frame the scandal's significance.

• People and Newsweek articles offer insights into Lewinsky's perspective, which is crucial for understanding the personal impact of the scandal on her life. However, these sources may also have an agenda to sensationalize aspects of the story to attract readership 58.

• The Guardian and BBC provide journalistic accounts of Lewinsky's testimony and the legal ramifications of the affair, which are critical for understanding the implications of Clinton's actions 910. These sources are generally considered credible, as they adhere to journalistic standards of verification.

• Sources like Metro and Times Now tend to focus on sensational aspects of the affair, which may detract from a more nuanced understanding of the events and their consequences 67.

Overall, while the claim that Clinton cheated on his wife with Lewinsky is well-supported by multiple credible sources, the framing and interpretation of the events can vary significantly depending on the source.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Bill Clinton cheated on his wife with Monica Lewinsky is substantiated by a wealth of evidence, including detailed accounts of their relationship and the subsequent legal and political ramifications. Key evidence includes the timeline of their affair, Clinton's impeachment due to perjury related to the affair, and the extensive media coverage that documented the scandal's impact on both Clinton's presidency and Lewinsky's life.

However, it is important to acknowledge that while the factual basis for the claim is strong, the interpretation of the events can vary significantly across different sources. Some narratives may emphasize sensational aspects or personal perspectives that could influence public perception.

Additionally, the available evidence primarily reflects the perspectives of those involved and the media's portrayal of the events, which may not capture the full complexity of the situation.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context and potential biases of various sources when forming their own conclusions.

Sources

1. Clinton-Lewinsky scandal - Wikipedia. Link
2. Monica Lewinsky - Washington Post. Link
3. Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky Scandal—Timeline of Key Moments | TIME. Link
4. A Full Timeline Of Bill Clinton & Monica Lewinsky's Affair. Link
5. Monica Lewinsky Details Affair with Bill Clinton & Unflattering First. Link
6. Bill Clinton And Monica Lewinsky's 'Cigar Story' Explained. Link
7. Monica Lewinsky shares X-rated details of White House sex with Bill Clinton. Link
8. What Did Bill Clinton Do to Monica Lewinsky? - Newsweek. Link
9. Phones, moans and breaking up: Lewinsky's testimony. Link
10. BBC News | Starr report | Ten encounters of a sexual kind. Link