No regrets for Oprah after school scandal

Oprah Winfrey has "no regrets" about launching her all-girls academy in South Africa, which earlier this year became caught up in a shocking child abuse scandal.

Oprah Winfrey has "no regrets" about launching her all-girls academy in South Africa, which earlier this year became caught up in a shocking child abuse scandal.

Despite being devastated by allegations of physical and sexual abuse at her Leadership Academy for Girls, the US chat show queen insists she remains positive about her past decisions, and about the future of her beloved Henley-On-Kip school.

She told People.com: "From the very first half hour, after I was able to pull myself together, I knew that this too shall pass. (I told myself) 'Just work on it, focus on the girls, focus on the girls, focus on the girls.' And the girls are now fine."

Speaking on Tuesday at the Los Angeles premiere of 'The Great Debaters', a film she produced starring Denzel Washington, Winfrey added: "I think that all crisis is there to teach you about your life. You have to be far more careful in choosing people to stand in the gap for you. You have to stay on it.

"The school is going to be better because that happened. We're going to come back and have the best year ever!"

Earlier this year Winfrey - who co-founded the Academy in 2006 - issued a heartfelt apology to the students who suffered at the hands of school officials. A dorm matron has since been suspended and arrested.

more courts articles

DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers DUP calls for measures to prevent Northern Ireland from becoming 'magnet' for asylum seekers
UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules UK's Illegal Migration Act should be disapplied in Northern Ireland, judge rules
Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London Former prisoner given indefinite hospital order for killing Irishman in London

More in this section

Stressed business woman overworked in office Natural Health: I'm perimenopausal and find it difficult to focus at work
Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited