Monica Lewinsky Talks Jay Leno's Role In Making Aftermath Of Infamous President Bill Clinton Affair Cruel

It has been over two decades since Monica Lewinsky faced intense scrutiny for her affair with former President Bill Clinton. However, she has not forgotten those who brutally shamed her.

The activist gained international infamy after her relationship with the then-POTUS was revealed. She was 22 at the time of the affair, while he was 49 and married to Hillary Clinton. Naturally, the news sparked widespread criticisms, with TV veteran Jay Leno cracking several jokes at their expense.

While many enjoyed watching Jay Leno tear Monica Lewinsky apart with his signature humor on NBC's "The Tonight Show," it broke the latter's heart in more ways than one. Lewinsky did not mince her words while throwing shots at the comedian and her once-infamous lover, Bill Clinton.

Lewinsky addressed her dark past in a recent appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, telling host Alex Cooper all about the horrible aftermath of her affair. She recalled that many came after her following the revelation of her relationship with the then-president, especially Leno.

She noted he criticized her more harshly than others on his late-night show, claiming she was the only non-public figure to make his famous hit list. According to Lewinsky, Leno had a top 10 list of targets he attacked on the NBC show.

However, being the punchline of his jokes on a popular show before the nation was a new level of cruelty for her. It was clear Lewinsky still had a bone to pick with Leno, but he wasn't the only one on her list, per TMZ.

The former president came under fire during Lewinsky's podcast appearance as she called out his reaction to their affair. She argued that Clinton should have resigned over their mid-1990s scandal, or he should have at least not thrown her under the bus to save himself.

Lewinsky noted Clinton should have found a better way to stay in office that didn't involve lying when their affair was exposed in 1998. She seemed regretful about her relationship with the former US leader, stating it ruined her life and career prospects.

Lewinsky alleged she wasn't allowed to interview for specific jobs because Clinton's wife was considered running for office. On that note, people feared losing funding if involved with her.

When host Cooper asked what the activist would say to her 22-year-old self, the now-51-year-old declared, "Don't go to Washington!"

Despite the mid-1990s scandal significantly impacting her mental and emotional state, Lewinsky didn't let it stop her from thriving. In July 2023, The Blast reported that she celebrated her fiftieth birthday with gratitude, taking fans down memory lane on Instagram.

The video montage captured her life throughout the years, from adorable baby shots to her as a young girl, all set to Holly Kluge's "Happy Little Things." Lewinsky further expressed joy over her growth in the post's caption, writing:

"HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY TO ME! I can't believe this little one made it to the best past decade so far. So grateful for the love + encouragement I've received these last 10 years. Helluva ride so far!"

Three years before calling out Leno's harsh criticisms, Lewinsky received praise for her reaction to Kenneth Starr's death. The late lawyer and judge passed away on September 13, 2022, over two decades after spearheading the investigation that uncovered the infamous affair.

Following news of Starr's death, Lewinsky penned a short message on X that read, "As I'm sure many can understand, my thoughts about Ken Starr bring up complicated feelings… but of more importance, is that i imagine it's a painful loss for those who love him."

As stated, many resonated with her words, with someone expressing admiration for her constant class and strength. Another echoed similar sentiments, noting they wished to have "a fraction" of Lewinsky's grace. A third declared her the epitome of beauty "inside and out."

Lewinsky's recent podcast appearance marked one of several moments where she addressed the aftermath of her infamous affair. During a 2021 interview, she discussed the impact of being subjected to ridicule in cartoons and media outlets.

Lewinsky confessed that the lack of support and the constant attacks on her body weighed heavily on her mind and heart. "We didn't even have words like 'fat shaming' or 'slut shaming' then. It was incredibly painful. I still don't like having my photo taken professionally," she shared.

"The misogyny and making fun of people's appearance: Bill got it sometimes, a few jokes about pudge and a McDonald's burger — and the same happened to Trump — but not to any degree that it happened to the women," Lewinsky added about the harsh criticisms.

Will Monica Lewinsky be able to forget the traumas of her past?