In recent discussions, allegations have emerged regarding Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, linking the institution to multiple controversies. These issues are reportedly why actress Angelina Jolie has refused to support Oprah’s charitable endeavors, fueling speculation about a deeper feud between the two.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, established to educate girls in grades 8-12, has faced several scandals since its inception. Despite its impressive setup and Oprah’s personal investment of $40 million, critics have argued that the school is more of an elitist project than a genuinely helpful initiative for underprivileged girls in South Africa. Journalists and the South African government expressed concerns about the school’s luxurious facilities, questioning whether the funds could have been better utilized to benefit a larger number of students across the country.
One of the most disturbing controversies occurred shortly after the school opened when a female staff member was arrested for allegedly assaulting students. Although the charges were later dropped, the incident raised serious concerns about the safety and welfare of the students. Oprah responded by flying to South Africa to address the situation, but her efforts to downplay the severity of the incident during a press conference only fueled further criticism.
Adding to the scandal, reports surfaced that the students were subjected to strict visitation rules, with parents allowed to see their children only once a month, creating a prison-like atmosphere. The situation worsened when, in 2011, a dead baby was found in a student’s backpack, further tarnishing the school’s reputation. Oprah remained largely silent on the matter, issuing no public statements about the tragedy.
Another troubling aspect of Oprah’s reputation emerged from her connections with controversial figures, such as Brazilian spiritual healer John of God, who was later convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault. Oprah had interviewed him and visited his spiritual center in Brazil, but after the truth about his crimes came to light, she quietly removed the interview from her website and issued a brief statement hoping for justice for the victims.
Angelina Jolie, known for her humanitarian work, has reportedly distanced herself from Oprah due to these disturbing allegations. Jolie’s refusal to support Oprah’s charity work seems rooted in her concerns over the scandals surrounding the school and Oprah’s questionable associations. This growing tension between two prominent figures in Hollywood has led to speculation that Jolie might know more about Oprah’s darker side.
As these controversies continue to swirl, questions remain about the true nature of Oprah’s philanthropic efforts. Whether these rumors are based on truth or are exaggerated, they have undoubtedly cast a shadow over Oprah’s public image.
