The momma bear bares her claws
Oprah Winfrey on Monday promised to “clean house” at her school for disadvantaged South African girls.
Winfrey said she “spent about a half hour crying” when she first learned that a dorm matron was accused of abusing students.
She spoke to reporters in South Africa by satellite from the United States hours after the accused matron appeared in court.
Winfrey said officials at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls hid facts and told students to “put on happy faces” and not complain to her.
She added that she had told pupils she was the “momma bear” who would protect them.
The talk show host has spoken of being abused herself and has campaigned for laws to protect children from abusers
Winfrey was adamant that the scandal had not affected her desire to help the girls achieve a better future.
“No one – not the accused nor any persons – can destroy the dream I have held and the dream that each girl continues to hold for herself at this school. Their lights will not be diminished by this experience,” she said.
Ring in the newborn
Finally confirming the obvious, Christina Aguilera says she’s expecting a baby, right around New Year’s Eve.
“That’ll be about the time I enter into mommyhood so I’m hoping to have started a beautiful family with my husband!” the 26-year-old singer says.
Aguilera and music executive Jordan Bratman were married in 2005.
Double Grace notes
Cable talk host Nancy Grace is the mother of twins after doctors induced labor two months before her due date.
Grace, host of a self-titled legal affairs talk show on CNN Headline News, gave birth to a boy, John David, and a girl, Lucy Elizabeth, on Sunday, a CNN spokeswoman said.
The 48-year-old had developed pulmonary edema – fluid in the lungs – and doctors told her it would be better for her health, and that of the children, if labor was induced.
Pretty down-to-earth woman
Julia Roberts wants a life of domestic bliss.
“My dream is to be a highly fulfilled and productive stay-at-home mom and wife,” the Oscar-winning actress tells Vanity Fair.
“The highest high would be growing our food that I then make, and then composting and growing more – that kind of circle.”
Running in crop circles
Actress Alicia Silverstone has recorded a voicemail message urging voters to call their representatives in support of the FRESH amendment, which would revamp farm commodity programs and, she says, “cut subsidies for unhealthy foods.”
A vegan and animal activist, the “Clueless” star has also appeared in advertisements for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
The birthday bunch
Director Mike Nichols is 76. Actress Sally Field is 61. Musician Glenn Frey (the Eagles) is 59. Actor Lance Kerwin is 47. Actress Kelly Rutherford (“Melrose Place”) is 39. Actor Ethan Hawke is 37. Actress Thandie Newton is 35. Model-actress Rebecca Romijn is 35. Actress Nicole Dubuc (“Major Dad”) is 29.