On Sunday, Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai took a spin and denied making sexual assault claims against anyone. Shuai made headlines around the world last month. When she went ‘missing’ after alleging that a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her. She is now claiming that her post on the Twitter-like social media platform Weibo was misinterpreted.
According to a social media post, Shuai accused a former Chinese vice premier of compelling her into sex several years ago. And they later had an on-again, off-again consensual relationship. Peng’s interview with Lianhe Zaobao came at a time when there was growing concern about the tennis player’s health. The post was quickly censored. And Peng disappeared from public view for nearly three weeks. “First, I need to stress one point that is extremely important, I have never said or written that anyone has sexually assaulted me. I need to emphasize this point very clearly,” Peng said in the video posted by Lianhe Zaobao on Sunday.
I have never said or written that anyone has sexually assaulted me
The 35-year- old’s comments on Sunday were the first time she was addressing the issue on camera in public. She was speaking on the sidelines of a cross-country skiing event in Shanghai, which she was attending. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), earlier this month made a declaration. That tournaments in China will not continue for an indefinite period. Due to concerns about Peng’s treatment and the protection of other players. They’ve decided to call for an investigation. “It was again good to see Peng Shuai in a public setting and we certainly hope she is doing well,” it said in a statement. “As we have consistently stated, these appearances do not alleviate or address the WTA’s significant concerns about her well-being and ability to communicate without censorship or coercion,” it said.
Top tennis stars such as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Novak Djokovic, among others, expressed concern about Shuai’s well-being and whereabouts. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also intervened. Holding two video calls with the player to reassure the world that Peng Shuai is safe.