Monica Lewinsky Calls Out Jay Leno for Cruelty During Clinton Scandal

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern famously embroiled in a scandal with President Bill Clinton, is firing back at comedian Jay Leno for his ruthless treatment of her during the 1990s. On the latest episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, she revealed that a study conducted after Leno’s retirement from “The Tonight Show” listed her as one of his top 10 targets for jokes—an especially stinging revelation since she was the only private citizen included among a roster of public figures. Lewinsky described Leno’s relentless jabs as “a whole new level of cruelty,” highlighting how public mockery added salt to a wound that had already altered the course of her life.

Adding fuel to the fire, she noted that the fallout from the scandal significantly impeded her career opportunities, explaining that potential employers were wary of associating with her due to fears that any connection could hinder their funding, especially with Hillary Clinton contemplating a presidential run. This pressure made it incredibly difficult for her to find work, illustrating a darker side to fame that many might not consider—she went from being a prominent figure to almost untouchable overnight.

In her candid chat with podcast host Alex Cooper, Lewinsky didn’t hold back on how the scandal disrupted her dating life as well, jokingly thanking Cooper for taking away her cringe-inducing “Blow Job Queen” label, which circulated widely at the height of the scandal. “What would you tell your 22-year-old self?” Cooper asked, to which Lewinsky smartly quipped, “Don’t go to Washington!” This emphasizes her regret for getting involved in such a high-profile political situation at a young age, leaving listeners feeling both sympathy and a slight chuckle.

The intersection of comedy and scandal is no stranger to other public figures as well, with comedians often pushing boundaries in the name of humor. However, Lewinsky’s experience serves as a reminder of the personal impacts behind those punchlines, a lesson the entertainment industry may want to consider moving forward. It’s not often you hear someone confront the legacy of a joke—especially when it’s delivered in the spotlight of late-night television.

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and TMZ, Daily Mail, People Magazine