Monica Lewinsky is to produce a television series focusing on the impeachment of Bill Clinton, saying she wishes to "reclaim the narrative" of her story.
The show, announced on Tuesday, is the latest in the Emmy-winning American Crime Story series, shown on the channel FX. Previous series have dramatized events leading up to the murder of Gianni Versace, and the circus surrounding the OJ Simpson trial.
Impeachment: American Crime Story will begin production in February, and air in September 2020.
John Landgraf, CEO of FX, said the new series will “explore the overlooked dimensions of the women who found themselves caught up in the scandal and political war that cast a long shadow over the Clinton presidency.”
He added: "I find Monica Lewinsky extremely impressive. I find the way that she’s sort of risen from the kind of early trauma that, frankly, could have buckled anyone – it could have driven me to my knees and down to the ground – and she’s come back."
The story is based on Jeffrey Toobin’s best-seller A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down a President.
Beanie Feldstein, a 26-year-old actress best known for her role as Saoirse Ronan’s side kick in Oscar-nominated Lady Bird, will play Ms Lewinsky.
Sarah Paulson will play Linda Tripp, and Annaleigh Ashford will star as Paula Jones.
Ryan Murphy, producer for the FX series, said he was initially unsure about making a television series from the book.
After speaking to Ms Lewinsky, however, he changed his mind.
“I told her: ‘Nobody should tell your story but you, and it’s kind of gross if they do,’” he said.
“’If you want to produce it with me, I would love that; but you should be the producer and you should make all the goddamn money.’”
Ms Lewinsky said she was pleased to be able to tell her own story.
"I was hesitant, and truthfully more than a little scared to sign on," she said. "But after a lengthy dinner meeting with Ryan, I came to understand even more clearly how dedicated he is to giving a voice to the marginalized in all of his brilliant work. I’m privileged to work with him and the other talented people on the team, and I’m privileged to have this opportunity."
Ms Lewinsky noted that others "have been co-opting and telling" her part in the scandal that almost brought down a presidency "for decades," and that she welcomes the chance to again "fully reclaim her narrative."
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"I’m so grateful for the growth we’ve made as a society that allows people like me who have been historically silenced to finally reintroduce my voice to the conversation," she continued.
This isn’t just a me problem. Powerful people, often men, take advantage of those subordinate to them in myriad ways all the time. Many people will see this as such a story and for that reason, this narrative is one that is, regretfully, evergreen."
Some, however, have pointed out that airing the show two months before the presidential election could be provocative.
“There is nothing that Trump would like more than to turn the homestretch of 2020 into a revisitation of the Clintons,” tweeted writer Mark Harris.
“Don’t do this FX. It’s a disservice to our fragile political system and to the talented people involved in this show.”
Mr Langgraf, however, brushed off the concerns.
“I don’t believe it’s going to determine who’s the next president of the United States,” he said. “I think that’s a little hysterical.”