Lewinsky Apologetic, Candid in TV Interview

Former White House intern Monica S. Lewinsky is finally getting her say: about President Clinton (“a very sensual man”), Linda Tripp (“I pity her”) and her regret for hurting Hillary and Chelsea Clinton (“I am very sorry”).

In a two-hour interview to be televised tonight, the woman whose trysts with the president led to the Senate impeachment trial offers the nation her apology “for my part in this past year’s ordeal.”

“I wouldn’t dream of asking Chelsea and Mrs. Clinton to forgive me,” she says. “But I would ask them to know that I am very sorry for what happened and for what they’ve been through.”

The first lady’s spokeswoman, Marsha Berry, had no comment.

Barbara Walters of ABC News won the first interview with Lewinsky since the former intern burst into the headlines on Jan. 21, 1998.

The interview was timed to help promote her book, “Monica’s Story,” written with Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton. It goes on sale Thursday.

ABC released brief excerpts from the interview Tuesday.

“Gosh, I’ll probably get in trouble for saying this,” Lewinsky said before describing the president as “a very sensual man” who feels conflicted because of his “strong religious upbringing.”

“I think he struggles with his sensuality because I don’t think he thinks it’s OK,” she said. “I think he tries to hold himself back. And then can’t anymore.”

Lewinsky had stinging words for her former friend, Tripp, who secretly tape-recorded their telephone conversations.

“I pity her,” Lewinsky said. “I would hate to be her.”

Lewinsky said she confided the affair to Tripp after her co-worker kept saying such things as “You’re just the type of girl the president would like” and “I bet you could have an affair with him.”

When asked if Lewinsky’s words would finally bring an end to the story, White House spokesman Barry Toiv said: “I think I can safely say ‘No’ to that.”