Oprah Says She's Too 'Overprotective' of Girls at African School

After news broke that several students at Oprah's African school for girls were caught up in a lesbian scandal, Queen O told an African newspaper that she's made some mistakes at the school, but overall she's proud of its success.

"I have made several mistakes and one of them was being overprotective of the girls, which has led to an impression that the school is isolating them from society," she told the Weekend Argus.

She said she had also underestimated the extent of homesickness among girls at the boarding school.

Last month, four students were expelled and three others suspended. South African media at the time said they were accused of trying to force students into relationships and to engage in sexual contact.

Winfrey herself hasn't given details of the misconduct. But she said in the newspaper interview that it was "insulting" that the family of one of the expelled girls had complained to the press even though she had been warned before about her behavior.

"Those girls in their own testimony during the (disciplinary) hearing said they knew they were breaking the rules and that they deliberately broke the rules," she said.

"The majority of girls are thriving, really fulfilling the dream and vision I had," Winfrey told the newspaper. "They really have exceeded any expectations I had for them. In spite of everything that's happened, what keeps me inspired and hopeful is the heart of every girl, because they are wonderful, they are magnificent."