Monday, October 29, 2007

Oprah apologizes for abuse scandal at her girls' school

Who's offering a tearful apology now?
Oprah and we give her great credit for both apologizing and doing it in person:

October 29, 2007 -- A tearful Oprah Winfrey begged parents to forgive her for an alleged abuse scandal at her girls' school in South Africa. "I've disappointed you. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," Oprah told parents at an emergency meeting, South Africa's top news Web site reported yesterday.

It was the talk-show host's second trip to South Africa in recent weeks, according to reports. The school was hit two weeks ago with allegations that one of the matrons fondled a girl and physically abused other students. The school's principal - indentified only as Dr Mzimane - and at least one other matron were put on administrative leave following the charges, News24.com, the nation's No. 1 news site reported.

"I trusted [Dr. Mzimane]," the station quoted Oprah as telling parents. "But, I've been disappointed," she said. "It's not your fault. We don't blame you.," a father was quoted as saying. You have more passion for the school and its existence than anyone else in this country, including us parents.