Oprah Winfrey is closing her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa next year, a decision that has drawn scrutiny given the school's significance to her philanthropic work and Winfrey's recent extensive media appearances. The media blitz, which has spanned several weeks, is perceived by some as an effort to distract from headlines concerning the school's closure.
OWLAG was founded nearly 20 years ago in South Africa, with an inauguration ceremony attended by Nelson Mandela. Winfrey had described the school as her most consequential work, intended to educate girls and protect them from poverty, AIDS, and sex trafficking. As recently as 2019, she stated, "This school is my greatest legacy. These girls are my deepest, greatest joy."
Winfrey's stated reason for closing the academy is to "transition" the school "back to local officials." However, critics point out that the school was a private initiative, founded and funded by Winfrey's charitable foundation, and was never under the control of local officials. Winfrey plans to launch an "expanded" scholarship program for girls in South Africa in its place. This shift has been questioned, as Winfrey's personal wealth is estimated to be over $3 billion, suggesting she could afford to maintain the school and offer additional scholarships.
Past Controversies at OWLAG
The school has faced several controversies since its opening. In October 2007, just ten months after the school began operations, multiple students alleged sexual assault by a dorm matron. The matron was acquitted of all charges in 2010, but the scandal reportedly damaged the school's reputation. Winfrey, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse herself, held a press conference at the time, stating she had spent "about a half-hour going around my house crying" upon hearing the allegations.
In March 2009, seven girls were suspended for "sexually harassing and fondling classmates." Winfrey sought to minimize the incident, attributing the media attention to her name being associated with the school.
More significantly, in February 2011, a 17-year-old student gave birth on campus. Her newborn son was found dead in her bag. Winfrey declined to comment, citing the involvement of a minor.
Winfrey's Media Appearances
Coinciding with the news of the school's closure, Winfrey has been featured in a series of high-profile media interviews and appearances. Eight days before the People magazine announcement about OWLAG, Winfrey was interviewed by Vanity Fair, where she revisited her controversial 2021 interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Critics accused her of not challenging certain claims made against the British Royal Family during that interview.
On the same day as the Vanity Fair interview, an appearance on Keke Palmer's podcast was released, where Winfrey discussed work-life balance and offered advice to young women. She also appeared in Glamour magazine's "Girlhood Firsts" video series.
Additionally, Winfrey and her partner, Stedman Graham, made their first public appearance together in nearly a decade recently, an event some observers interpret as an attempt to counter speculation and shift media focus. The timing of these appearances has led to questions about whether they are intended to divert attention from the closure of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls and its associated controversies.