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Oprah Apologizes For School Abuse Scandal

Oprah Winfrey tearfully said she was so sorry over the growing scandal at her South African girls school. Allegations that a matron physically and sexually assaulted students have rocked the school.

The daytime queen profusely apologized to the parents of students at her all-girls school in South Africa for a sex-abuse scandal that resulted in the dismissal of one of its dormitory matrons. "I've disappointed you. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," a tearful Winfrey told angry families who showed up for an emergency meeting at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, according to South Africa's news.24.com, a leading news site.

Allegations surfaced two weeks ago that a "dorm parent" had been accused of fondling a girl and physically and verbally abusing several others, including grabbing them about the neck, beating them and hurling them against a wall. The talk-show host made her second visit to the school, located in the town of Henley-on-Klip, just south of Johannesburg, in as many weeks. She reportedly took full responsibility at the gathering and begged parents to forgive her for the staff member's behavior. The accusations came to light after one of the pupils ran away, purportedly because she couldn't stand the alleged abuse any longer.

Oprah has been to South Africa several times to meet with parents, students and teachers to find out what really happened. She has given her private phone, email and address to the girls so that they can contact her at anytime. We think Oprah had sincerely good intentions opening the school. But the reality of having your name on a school that is so far away has to be taking a toll. How can she really ever know what's going on there? It's a shame that this worthy project is having so many troubles.

Posted on October 30, 2007

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