Monica Lewinsky has said the affair that led to impeachment proceedings against former US president Bill Clinton was not sexual assault, but "constituted a gross abuse of power".

Ms Lewinsky wrote in Vanity Fair that she is "in awe of the sheer courage" of women who've been confronting "entrenched beliefs and institutions" in recent months.

She said she was recently moved to tears when a leader of the #MeToo movement told her: "I'm so sorry you were so alone."

The former White House intern lauded the "#MeToo" movement for providing "the safety that comes from solidarity".

Ms Lewinsky said she has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress from being "publicly outed and ostracised".

Mr Clinton initially denied the affair before admitting to it in 1998. The Democrat was acquitted by the US senate.

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