Oprah Apologizes For Mishappenings At Her Academy

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A tearful Oprah Winfrey begged for forgiveness Sunday as she met the parents of students at her all-girls academy, which is reeling from lurid allegations of sexual abuse.

"I've disappointed you. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry," the talk show queen told families in an emergency meeting at the South African school in Henley-on-Klip, south of Johannesburg.

Oprah canceled appointments and flew to South Africa twice in the past few weeks after allegations that one of the matrons fondled a girl and that other pupils had been physically abused.

One pupil has said a matron grabbed her by the throat and threw her against a wall.

Girls have also said the "dorm parent" swore and screamed at them, assaulted them and sexually fondled at least one girl.

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, 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.

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