Oprah's School In Child Abuse Scandal

Oprah 's School In Child Abuse Scandal

Calling the allegations of abuse at a school she founded in South Africa "one of the most devastating, if not the most devastating experience of my life," Oprah Winfrey appeared as part of a press conference detailing the investigation of child abuse which led to the arrest of a school employee.

Last month, a 27-year-old dormitory matron at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy south of Johannesburg, South Africa, was suspended in connection with allegations involving indecent assault and soliciting under-age girls to commit indecent acts.

Tiny Virginia Makopo faces 13 charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury committed against at least six students aged 13-15 and a 23-year-old at the school.

"When I first heard about it I spent about a half-hour going around my house crying," Winfrey said at a news conference.

Makopo said she was innocent when the charges were read during a bail hearing in Johannesburg. The magistrate released her on bail of $450, but she is restricted in her travel and contact with others. She left court today, with a court appearance ordered for December 13. (continue)