Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey, both renowned for their philanthropic efforts, have never seen eye-to-eye.
The reason behind this discord, however, is more serious than tabloid drama. Reports suggest that Jolie's concerns over the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa and Winfrey's alleged connections to Hollywood predators are the primary reasons for their feud.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
In 2007, Oprah Winfrey opened a boarding school for girls in South Africa, named the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. The school, which caters to girls from grades 8 to 12, was designed to provide opportunities for girls with the potential to make a difference in the world.
However, the school was criticized by multiple journalists for being a vanity project. Critics pointed out that the $40 million spent on luxury facilities for a select group of girls could have benefited a far greater number of students across the country.
The South African government initially wanted to help Oprah build the school but pulled out of the project over criticism that the academy was too elitist and lavish for such a poor country.
Disturbing Scandals at the Academy
Just months after the school was opened, a female member of staff was arrested after multiple students reported her for inappropriate behavior. In response to this, Oprah immediately flew to South Africa to meet with school officials and parents.
However, she seemingly downplayed the incident during a press conference, claiming the girls weren't actually subjected to sexual assault.
Further controversies arose when multiple parents claimed they were only allowed to visit their children at school once a month. One mother described the situation as a nightmare, stating, "We had only two hours to see my child. Surely this isn't a prison or an institution."
In February 2011, a dead baby was discovered in one of the student's backpacks. However, a spokesman for Oprah told ABC news that Oprah would not be commenting on this case.
Angelina Jolie's Refusal to Support the Academy
Angelina Jolie, who has adopted her daughter Zahara from an orphanage in Ethiopia and given birth to her first biological child, Shiloh, in Namibia, was reportedly asked by Oprah to endorse her school. However, Jolie allegedly wanted no part in it.
An insider later said that Oprah was shocked to hear 'no' because she's used to celebrities fawning over her.
Jolie's refusal to support the academy was not due to tabloid drama, but allegedly stemmed from the disturbing scandals that plagued Oprah's school for girls in Africa. Jolie reportedly had serious concerns over the school and Winfrey's rumored connection to Hollywood predators.
The Real Truth Yet to be Exposed
Angelina Jolie is known for her humanitarian work and her dedication to protecting the rights of children worldwide. Her refusal to associate with Oprah Winfrey and her school suggests that she may have had valid concerns about the operations of the academy.
While the public may have forgotten about the controversies surrounding Oprah's school, Angelina Jolie has not. A source close to Jolie recently revealed that she still can't stand Oprah and she allegedly feels the real truth about Oprah is yet to be exposed.
These allegations and the subsequent refusal of Angelina Jolie to support the academy highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in philanthropic efforts, especially those involving vulnerable populations such as children.