School Abuse Scandal Takes Its Toll On Oprah

I've disappointed you, I'm so sorry. said Oprah Winfrey regretfully to the students at her all-girls school in Africa.

The daytime talk show host is facing a scandal that is threatening her $46 million dollar Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which she founded to be a safe haven for young African girls from disadvantaged families.

Ms. Winfrey flew directly to the school, located south of Johannasburg in the town of Henley-on-Klip. She reportedly took full responsibility at the gathering and begged parents to forgive her for the staff member's behavior.

The accusations were revealed after one of the pupils ran away, reportedly because she couldn't stand the alleged abuse any longer. The matron has since been fired.

"I trusted her," Winfrey told the families regarding the principal. "When I appointed her, I thought she was passionate about the children of Africa. But I've been disappointed," she said to the students she refers to as "her daughters."

Oprah gave the students her personal telephone number and email address in the U.S. so they could get in touch with her at any time.