Oprah Winfrey responds to alleged abuses in the South African school she founded in January with much hype by apologizing profusely.

At an emergency meeting with the parents of the girls that she personally interviewed for the school admission, Oprah expressed her disappointment of what happened and the fact that she felt responsible for the terrible incidents.

“I've disappointed you. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry,” Oprah said with tears in her eyes.

The allegations sparked two weeks ago, when one of the dormitory matrons was accused of fondling a girl and other physical and verbal abuses against other girls. The abuses included beating the pupils, hurling them against the wall or grabbing them about the neck.

The misconduct was revealed when one of the pupils ran out of the Henley-on-Klip-based school, unable to stand anymore the treatment. The school’s principal took no action even though the incidents have been reported.  

After Oprah learnt about the abuses, she dismissed the ‘dorm parent’ and the principal was sent away on paid administrative leave, while detectives and Child Protection Services are investigating the case.

“I trusted her. When I appointed her, I thought she was passionate about the children of Africa. But I've been disappointed,” Oprah told the parents, referring to the principal of the $46 million Leadership Academy. The school was the fulfillment of Oprah’s desire to provide impoverished South African girls the conditions of a high-quality education.