Oprah's South African all-girls academy is steeped in a scandal involving allegations of sexual abuse.
Girls have said the "dorm parent" swore and screamed at them, assaulted them and sexually fondled at least one girl.And one pupil has said a matron grabbed her by the throat and threw her against a wall.
The alleged incidents came to light when one of the pupils ran away from the school because the reported abuse had become intolerable.
South African police and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit are now investigating.
Oprah canceled appointments and flew to South Africa twice in the past few weeks.A tearful Oprah Winfrey begged for forgiveness Sunday as she met the parents of students.
"I've disappointed you. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," she said.
Oprah, who has spoken openly about being abused as a child, gave the girls her personal telephone number, her e-mail address and her postal address so that they could contact her around the clock.
In addition to the matron suspected of being involved, Oprah also placed the principal and at least one other matron on leave two weeks ago. Only the principal was on paid leave, South African media reported.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy opened in January to provide quality education to underprivileged girls.
Surrounded by high-profile guests including Nelson Mandela, Oprah described the day the $46 million school opened as "the proudest, greatest day of my life and a dream come true."
Portions of this blog courtesy of NYDailyNews.com.
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