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I did have a relationship with Miss Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong.

William Jefferson Clinton

Grand jury testimony, 1998 · Checked on 12 May 2026
I did have a relationship with Miss Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong.

Analysis

In his August 17, 1998, grand jury testimony, Bill Clinton acknowledged an 'inappropriate' and 'wrong' relationship with Monica Lewinsky, contradicting his earlier public denials. This admission was part of his testimony during the investigation into the Lewinsky scandal and his subsequent impeachment proceedings.

Background

The statement was made under oath during the independent counsel Kenneth Starr's investigation into Clinton's affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Clinton had previously denied the relationship in a January 1998 deposition for the Paula Jones sexual harassment case.

Verdict summary

Clinton admitted to an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky in his 1998 grand jury testimony.

Sources consulted

— The Starr Report (1998), U.S. Government Publishing Office
— Transcript of Clinton's Grand Jury Testimony (1998), CNN
— Impeachment Trial of President William J. Clinton, U.S. Senate (1999)