Oprah Winfrey has spoken out about her distress over a sex scandal rocking her South African girls school.
Students at her boarding school have reportedly been expelled for sexual misconduct. They are accused of sexually harassing fellow schoolmates after allegedly being caught fondling each other.
A letter to the parents of one of the seven accused 15-year-old reads: "You have been found guilty of physical contact of a sexual nature with another pupil on campus, harassment, bullying other girls on campus and of being dishonest by not telling investigators the whole truth."
Winfrey's spokesperson, Lisa Halliday, has confirmed the girls had violated the school's code of conduct, and now Winfrey is weighing in on the controversy.
In a statement, released on Tuesday, Winfrey said, "I'm disappointed that several of our students chose to disregard the school's rules.
"It's disheartening when any student has to be suspended or expelled and it's a process that involves serious review and consideration. We insist on maintaining a campus environment that commands mutual respect, fosters academic excellence and encourages learners to fulfill their best potential."
But she insists the world's media is making more of the scandal -- because her name is attached to the school.
Oprah adds, "Indiscretions resulting in disciplinary action are common in schools all over the world. Unfortunately, because of my name these common infractions place the Academy in the media spotlight."
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