Oprah School Abuse

Television host Oprah Winfrey opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a boarding school, in Henley-on-Klip, South Africa, in January 2007. In October of that year, the school was gripped by scandal when dorm matron Virginia Makopo was accused of verbally and sexually abusing six students. Makopo has plead not guilty on all charges.

On April 7, 2009, the New York Post reported four students claim they were kept locked up like prisoners for two weeks before being expelled.New York Post: Oprah school locked up students(April 7, 2009)

On April 7, 2009, the New York Post reported four students claimed they were kept locked up for two weeks before being expelled. These same students were among the pupils accused of forcing students into sexual relationships, bullying and harassment. The girls all claim they had guards posted outside their room and were barred from attending classes. They claimed not to be allowed to communicate with other students and they were banned from the cafeteria so meals where sent to their rooms. Each girl was given five minutes to say goodbye to 3 of their classmates before being sent home on March 26, 2009.New York Post: Oprah school locked up students(April 7, 2009)

A 15-year-old student at the Oprah Winfrey boarding school in South Africa has been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus, harassment, bullying and lying to investigators. The scandal also involved other girls at the school, who were reportedly caught fondling each other.NYDailyNews: O no, not again! Oprah's school rocked by second... (March 30, 2009)

The school's headmistress throughout 2007 was former Philadelphia educator Nomvuyo Mzamane. Though Mzamane has not been charged with any crime, she believes that Winfrey and her representatives defamed her character in the aftermath of the scandal, accusing her of taking part in a non-existent cover-up of Makopo's abuse. Mzamane has filed a $250,000 lawsuit against Winfrey and her production companies for defamation.International Herald Tribune: Oprah sued for defamation by ex-girls school head (October 6, 2008) In November of 2008, Winfrey filed a motion to get the case thrown out of court, maintaining that neither she nor any of her employees made libelous statements against Mzamane.International Herald Tribune: Oprah sued for defamation by ex-girls school head (October 6, 2008)

1. Perez Hilton: Oprah School For Girls Rocked By Another Sex Scandal! (March 31, 2009)

2. NYDailyNews: O no, not again! Oprah's school rocked by second... (March 30, 2009)

3. The Times: New sex scandal at Oprah school (March 31, 2009)

4. Philadelphia Inquirer: Oprah seeks to have PA suit dismissed (November 25, 2008)

5. New York Post: Oprah School Locked Up Students (April 7, 2009)

6. CNN: Oprah praises young whistle-blowers at her school (November 5, 2007)

7. YouTube: Oprah Winfrey press conference (Time: 2:07)

• YouTube: Matron at Winfrey School Pleads Innocent (Time: 1:33)