Town & Country magazine has apologised to Monica Lewinsky, American activist, fashion designer, and former White House intern, after they disinvited her from its annual philanthropic summit because Bill Clinton was attending.
Curiously, the magazine chose to manage the situation they believed would be created by having Lewinsky and Clinton in the same room, because the former POTUS and the former intern had once had an affair…
Twenty years ago.
Since the scandal, Lewinsky has explained that her relationship with Clinton had been consensual, but acknowledged there was a fundamental power imbalance – something which the morality police completely ignored. That is why Lewinsky’s biggest issue lies with her treatment by the media, who have incessantly shamed and bullied her for the affair for two decades, making her name internationally synonymous with White House smut stories.
Conversely, Clinton remained in office to complete his term as President, and is one of the most respected names in politics; a clear message that the only person whom people felt was truly responsible for the affair was not the President of the United States, but 22-year-old Lewinsky.
This is why the current episode of slut-shaming by Town & Country has been 20 years in the making. But in a wonderful development, it’s not something that Lewinsky is prepared to suffer in silence anymore.
The magazine’s lack of judgement was revealed by Lewinsky herself, when she announced the incident on Twitter this week. She graciously declined to name the magazine, but commented that they had behaved with extremely bad manners, noting that “Emily Post would def not approve.”
Top Comments
Don't people realise that the magazine was just trying to avoid an awkward situation? Imagine if both went, and they ran into each other. They BOTH would be furious with the magazine. It's a lose-lose situation for the mag so I can understand that they thought this was the most reasonable and sensible solution for a sensitive issue.
Firstly, if the magazine wanted to avoid that situation, they shouldn't have invited both parties. Period.
Secondly, Lewinsky has nothing to feel awkward about. Indeed, I daresay the only person who might feel embarrassed about the situation would be Bill (and Hillary), if indeed they had any shred of decency about them.
It appears the magazine didn't realise they invited both parties until to late. And secondly, you must be joking? If some tramp initiated an affair with your husband/spouse/partner, are you truly going to tell us that in your opinion, said other woman has 'nothing to feel awkward about'? Seriously? Really?
Lewinsky really is an extraordinary woman. I cannot imagine the tenacity and strength it would have taken to get through the public castigation and scrutiny she copped - hats off to her.