Oprah Winfrey reportedly met with the student who claimed a staff member abused her during a secret trip to South African, according to People magazine.
“The meeting went well. It took about two hours, and I appreciate that Oprah took time to listen,” the girl’s father told People “Oprah looked beautiful and was so easy to talk to. It went very smoothly.”
Until now, the family had not spoke with Winfrey. The girl left the school after making the allegations.
“I am very happy and pleased that Oprah heard our side of the story,” the father told People. “We have closure.”
The meeting between the talk show host and the family was reportedly very emotional.
“I think they are planning new rules and staff for the school,” the father told People.
The girl will reportedly return to the school.
“I am so excited because we were invited to the end-of-year school party, which will be on Tuesday,” the father told People. “The other pupils and families knew about the party, but we were never told. So it was a big surprise for us when Oprah asked us to join the party.”
In addition to the celebration, the girl will receive counseling and support from the school.
“I am happy because at last we had a chance to speak. Oprah resolved everything,” the father concluded.
Earlier this month, Winfrey spoke to the media about the alleged abuse saying, “This has been one of the most devastating, if not the most devastating experience of my life.”
As for the alleged perpetrator, Tiny Makopo, the woman at the center of the scandal — she had her day in court in early November. Makopo faces 13 charges of indecent assault, assault, and criminal injury allegedly committed against the six students and one adult at the school.
When the judge explained the charges and asked what her plea was going to be, she softly whispered, “Not guilty.”
Makopo was released on the equivalent of $450 bail. While out on bail she must report to the police station every Monday. She cannot leave the area, apply for a passport or have contact with anyone associated with the Leadership Academy or the investigation.