Second sex scandal in South African school 'disappoints' Oprah

Washington, Apr 1 (ANI): Oprah Winfrey is 'disappointed' as her all-girls boarding school in South Africa has been hit by a second sex scandal since opening two years ago.

According to the Afrikaans on Sunday newspaper, seven students at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy School for Girls near Johannesburg were suspended last week for sexually harassing their schoolmates.

The paper reports that one 15-year-old 'preyed' another student and urged her victims to lie to investigators about what happened, reports Usmagazine.com.

According to the report, other girls were alleged to have been 'intimidating others into partaking of inappropriate behaviours' at the 46-million-dollar school.

A letter sent to one of the suspended girls' parents reportedly read: "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."

The talk show host released a statement calling the scandal 'disheartening.'

"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. 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," she stated. (ANI)