Uh-Oprah: Winfrey Apologizes to Parents of Abused Kids

In an emergency meeting held at her girls' school in South Africa over the weekend, Oprah Winfrey reacted to recent allegations of physical and sexual abuse against pupils there by tearfully apologizing to her student body's parents. "I've disappointed you," News24.com says she sobbed. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." While an investigation is under way, the talk-show queen told the girls' folks that she would be available 24/7 and went so far as to hand out her phone number and e-mail address. So far, the principal and another matron have been put on leave, but it will be up to the South African police and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit, a school rep told the Sunday Times of Africa, "to determine if criminal charges will follow." — Ben Katner