Oprah Winfrey released a statement through her reps today expressing her disappointment in the allegations of inappropriate behavior between students at a girls school she built in South Africa.
From OK! magazine:
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After reports indicated that several students were expelled from Oprah Winfrey’s school in South Africa, The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy, for inappropriate behavior, the daytime diva is speaking out in a statement obtained by Entertainment Tonight.
In a statement, Oprah expresses her regret that as many as seven girls allegedly sexually harassed other students. A spokesperson for the school says students were told to leave for violating the code of conduct, but said it was “a confidential school matter.”
“I’m disappointed that several of our students chose to disregard the school’s rules. It’s disheartening when any student has to be suspended or expelled and it’s a process that involves serious review and consideration,” Oprah says in the statement. “We insist on maintaining a campus environment that commands mutual respect, fosters academic excellence and encourages learners to fulfill their best potential.”
She continues, “Indiscretions resulting in disciplinary action are common in schools all over the world. Unfortunately, because of my name these common infractions place the Academy in the media spotlight.”
