#MeToo founder criticizes Hillary Clinton over Monica Lewinsky comments

Tarana Burke sharply disagreed with the 2016 presidential hopeful over her husband's position in relation to the former White House intern in the scandal

 

Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, blasted former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton after she proclaimed that her husband’s affair was not an abuse of power since Monica Lewinsky was an adult.

READ MORE: Hillary Clinton: Bill’s affair was not an abuse of power, Monica Lewinsky was an adult

The #MeToo movement has led to women worldwide speaking out publicly against assault and Burke was critical of Clinton’s affirmation that her husband’s tryst with Lewinsky was within reason.

“When I think about the things that Hillary Clinton said about the Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton affair not being an abuse of power, that is just tragic and it’s wrong,” she said in an interview with The Root. 

“But it’s certainly an abuse of power. You’re talking about an age dynamic but you’re also talking about the President of the United States. The amount of power, the amount of accumulated power that is in that position alone, versus an intern, it’s absolutely an abuse of power,” she added.

Clinton Stands by Her Man

In a new interview, Clinton clapped back at claims that her husband former President Bill Clinton abused his power by having an affair with an intern Monica Lewinsky while in office, CNN reports.

Clinton called into question the sexual harassment allegations made against President Donald Trump while talking with CBS on Sunday morning.

READ MORE: Tarana Burke ‘deeply offended’ by Lee Daniels plan to create a #MeToo comedy

“But let me ask you this,” Clinton said, “Where’s the investigation of the current incumbent, against whom numerous allegations have been made, and which he dismisses, denies, and ridicules?” Clinton asked.

“So, there was an investigation [of Bill], and it, as I believe, came out in the right place.”

Clinton said Lewinsky was an adult when she was entangled in a sex scandal with her husband and defended his by saying he was “absolutely not” abusing his power 20 years ago when the affair took flight.

It wasn’t an abuse of power?” CBS News correspondent Tony Dokoupil asked.

Clinton responded: “No. No.” She reiterated that Lewinsky was an adult at the time of the affair. 

Burke called out Clinton’s statement.

“Sexual violence isn’t about sex, right? It’s about power and the abuse of power,” Burke said.  

“Two people made that choice and one of those people was the most powerful man in the world. And I just think that’s unfortunate,” she added. 

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