Ryan Murphy, the creator of the popular TV show “American Horror Story,” has confirmed “American Crime Story” Season 4 will focus on the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal. The show is a spin-off of “American Horror Story.” It was also confirmed that Sarah Paulson, a returning cast member, will be in the cast.
In a recent interview with E! News, Murphy said shooting will start at the end of the year. As of now, it’s unknown who will be playing Lewinsky. Last month, Fox 21 TV Studios and FX Productions optioned rights to Jeffrey Toobin’s book “A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Sex Scandal That Nearly Brought Down A President,” since they’re using the text to develop the new installment. The book focuses on the Lewinsky sex scandal that led to the impeachment of President Bill Clinton.
But we probably won’t see Season 4 for awhile, considering Season 2 is expected in 2018, which will focus on Hurricane Katrina–while Season 3 centers around the July 1997 assassination of designer Gianni Versace. The first season focused on the O.J. Simpson case, which won nine Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes.
After the scandal, Lewinsky has reemerged as an advocate against cyberbullying, having delivered a TED talk, and spoke at a Forbes magazine “30 Under 30” summit, stating: “Having survived myself, what I want to do now is help other victims of the shame game survive, too.”
It’s always inspiring to see someone, like Lewinsky, who has struggled publicly rise above the shame and do something positive for others. In this case, Lewinsky can’t change what happened, but she can learn from it, and help others deal with shame and bullying. I’m curious to see what the show is like when it comes out.
