Tyrese Gibson is upset with the recent backlash experienced by Oprah Winfrey over her new school for girls in South Africa and has released a statement voicing support for the billionaire and her philanthropic efforts.
A South African media outlet reported that some parents and students are complaining that the rules of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls are too strict. Also, black critics in the U.S. have blasted the talk show host for building schools in Africa while seeming to ignore the plight of inner-city schools here in the U.S.
The statement from Tyrese reads as follows:
“There is a staggering amount of millionaires and billionaires out in the world that do nothing to effect positive change within society. The fact that Oprah Winfrey took a monumental step to create a school in South Africa for the betterment of African children rather then just speak of change is commendable.”     Â
“The bible says, ‘No good deed shall go unrewarded,’ and there are many critics out in the world turning up negative stones to find a flaw in this wonderful gift donated to South Africa by Oprah Winfrey. I stand with Oprah in the fight for change and positive world reform and I hope that people realize there will always be struggle and without struggle there is no progression.     Â
“Please leave her alone and let the blessings she is offering outshine the public scrutiny she is facing.â€