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Oprah takes herself out of the running for Lewinsky interview

CHICAGO (AllPolitics, September 29) -- Oprah Winfrey said Tuesday she had turned down the opportunity to have the first television interview with Monica Lewinsky, indicating the former White House intern wanted to be paid.

"It has been reported that I was going to have the first interview with Monica Lewinsky. I was told that I did have it and then the conversation moved in a direction that I did not want to go. I do not pay for interviews, no matter what the payment is called," said Winfrey in a statement.

"So, I have now taken myself officially out of the running and I no longer want the interview," the talk show queen concluded.

President Bill Clinton has admitted having a sexual relationship with Lewinsky while she worked at the White House.

Lewinsky received blanket immunity from Independent Counsel Ken Starr to tell her story to the grand jury investigating allegations that she and the president had an affair and that he attempted to persuade her to cover it up.

Lewinsky's detailed account of her relationship with the president was released last week by the House Judiciary Committee.


Investigating the President

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Tuesday, September 29, 1998


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