Tennis star Peng Shuai’s whereabouts refuted by Chinese media; WTA to take action

Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai is reportedly safe, as per CGTN, a Chinese state-run media house. But many are having a hard time believing the e-mail that CGTN posted on social media, where she disputed recent claims made about her alleged disappearance. 

In the e-mail, Shui stated the sexual assault allegation that she publicly made is not true and that she is not missing and is safe. She warned the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to not publish anything about her without verifying with her first.

Peng Shuai’s whereabouts have been a mystery since accusing a government official of sexual assault earlier this month. The 35-year-old accused former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her, but her social media post was removed just 20 minutes after it went live.

The WTA has come down heavily on the Chinese government, with the organization’s chief Steve Simon skeptical about the Chinese statement. 

“The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts. I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her,” he said. 

Simon said that the sexual assault charges by Shuai must be respected and that the Chinese must show more transparency in the matter and condemned the censorship by the Chinese government. He has said that the WTA has tried contacting her through various means, but to no avail. 

The WTA chief has warned that the organization is willing to pull out of future WTA tournaments in China if the matter is not resolved soon. 

“We’re definitely willing to pull our business and deal with all the complications that come with it. Because this is certain, this is bigger than the business. Women need to be respected and not censored,” said Simon. 

Several tennis stars have come out in support of the Chinese tennis star, with the likes of Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and others expressing shock and dismay at the treatment of their fellow star. 

“I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible,” said Williams. 

The 35-year-old is an experienced tennis star who turned pro in 2001 and has two Grand Slam titles in the doubles competition, winning the women’s doubles at Wimbledon and French Open in 2013 and 2014, respectively.