The Monica Lewinsky scandal involved a sexual relationship between Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern, and Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, during the late 1990s. The affair became public in 1998, leading to a significant political controversy and an investigation by independent counsel Kenneth Starr. The scandal resulted in Bill Clinton being impeached by the House of Representatives in December 1998 on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. He was later acquitted by the Senate in February 1999, allowing him to complete his second term in office. The incident had lasting effects on American politics and public perception of the presidency.