Oprah Winfrey devastated

[DontMindMe]

Oprah talked publicly today about the scandal that has rocked the “Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy” in Africa. She calls the situation the most devastating experience of her life.
Oprah reported that her initial reaction was to cry for the first half hour. She was sickened to the core.
The abuse allegations surfaced nearly a month ago when a parent removed her daughter from the school after learning of physical abuse. It was at that point that an investigation took place which eventually lead to the arrest of a woman who worked at the school.

Oprah did not speak of the arrested woman, indicating that an ongoing investigation prevented her from giving out specific details. The press has reported that Tiny Virginia Makopo, 27, is being charged with 13 counts of sexual misconduct against 6 young women age 13 to 15 and one 23 year old.
Oprah has met with all of the girls and has stressed the importance of coming forward to report abusive behavior. Oprah believes that the culture of the region led to most of the girls keeping silent amid the inappropriate behavior.
Oprah does not blame herself but has tightened security and vows that her school will be not only safe but a model for all other schools in the future.

» Oprah Devastated Bitten and Bound: The Not So Pretty Side of Hollywood

[Penny Lane]

Halle Berry 2.0... or was she the mentoree?

[kingcap72]

As much as Oprah annoys me, I kind of feel bad for her in this situation. She can't control what happened at this school half a world away. But, maybe, this will force her to have someone else keep a closer eye on things.

And knowing Oprah, she'll be crying her eyes out on her show like Ellen was doing about that damn dog.

[Yoko Ono]

Why does it NOT surprise me that Oprah employed a sex-crazed psycho lesbian to work at her school?

[celeb_2006]

What happens when you spread yourself too thin trying to be saint. Look what happened to angelina throwing money to some organization miles away.

[Bkny Mix]

There have been horror stories from way back in the middle ages on this kind of activity. Why didn't she put a monitor in place to begin with? This really could have been avoided, Ms O has the funds to properly safeguard her school. You'd think....

[DoveFeatheredRaven]

I can see there not be adequate records of past behavior being kept in that part of the world. I would imagine she had exhaustive background checks done etc.

It is shame for those girls for whom this was a new chance at a better life. Shame that person marred it for them. I have no sympathy for OW but plenty for the girls.

[sweetness]

Unfortunately this sort of thing can happen anywhere.

Oprah's trying to do something good..... what happened is not her fault at all!

[DoveFeatheredRaven]

No, I wouldn't say it is her fault. However, you have to almost assume this might go on and have something in place to monitor for it.

[sweetness]

^^ True, but even with a monitor it could still happen. What a shame.

[Elisa]

This is very sad and unfortunate, but c'mon! We all know that had the shoe been on the other foot, Oprah would have taken a strip off of anyone else for 'allowing' the same thing to happen. As a matter of fact, she would have devoted a whole show to it!

[Sweetie]

Yeah, crying for a whole half hour really makes everything more bearable.

[Lily]

OPRAH is DEVASTATED? Give me a f*cking break.

Elisa, you're right on the money.

[Egolita]

Originally Posted by DoveFeatheredRaven

No, I wouldn't say it is her fault. However, you have to almost assume this might go on and have something in place to monitor for it.

yeah then the people monitoring get in on it too. and it ends up being some big conspiracy. it's amazing how corrupt people get. especially when offered power. right?

[Palermo]

I think she tried to do a good thing, but I cannot STAND to hear her go on about "my daughters". They are not your daughters and never will be. Even though I have no kids it offends me for their real mothers.