Bill Clinton et Monica Lewinsky (1/4) : une pizza très épicée

·12 min·1 clip

Bill Clinton's 1998 denial of an affair with intern Monica Lewinsky ignited the biggest political scandal of the 90s.

The episode opens by highlighting Bill Clinton's January 1998 statement denying an affair, which is identified as a lie that triggered a major political scandal. It introduces Monica Lewinsky as a 22-year-old White House intern, whose age and status amplified the scandal's impact. The narrative then shifts to July 1995, describing Monica's background as a psychology graduate from California who moves to Washington through family connections to Democratic donors. Her exuberant personality quickly makes her noticeable in the White House. A key moment occurs in November 1995 when Monica is sent to deliver pizza to President Clinton in the Oval Office for the first time. During this encounter, Clinton shows obvious interest in her, leading to a confession of mutual attraction. Their first intimate moment happens in a small room adjacent to the Oval Office, marking the start of a secret sexual relationship that lasts about a year and a half. The episode portrays this as a dynamic where Clinton, nearly 30 years older, fascinates the young Monica, who accepts the role of a 'cocky intern' despite knowing her feelings have no place in the relationship. White House staff, including Clinton's secretary Betty, are aware of the affair and actively cover it up, even lying to Hillary Clinton. Other collaborators view Monica with suspicion, seeing her as overly ambitious. In April 1996, due to concerns from Clinton's advisors about his re-election and potential scandal, Monica is transferred to the Pentagon. Clinton agrees to this move, seeing Monica as becoming annoying. The episode concludes by noting that this transfer decision unexpectedly leads to the scandal's explosion, teased for the next episode. The format is narrative, blending historical facts with dramatized moments like the pizza delivery dialogue.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from A la folie, pas du tout