Women’s body WTA expresses concern over Chinese player Peng Shuai’s safety despite her denying sexual assault allegation on Communist Party official
China’s Peng Shuai. Pic/Getty Images
WTA chief Steve Simon said on Monday the organisation maintained concern for the wellbeing of Peng Shuai after the Chinese tennis player issued a further denial of sexual assault allegations. Peng’s fate has been shrouded in mystery since she alleged on social media in November that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli forced her into sex. On Sunday Peng gave an interview to French daily L’Equipe in which she once again denied making her initial allegations. Peng was accompanied by Chinese Olympic Committee chief of staff Wang Kan during the interview.
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The WTA said in a statement that it remained concerned over Peng’s wellbeing. “Her recent in-person interview does not alleviate any of our concerns about her initial post from November 2nd,” WTA chairman Simon said. “To reiterate our view, Peng took a bold step in publicly coming forth with the accusation that she was sexually assaulted by a senior Chinese government leader. As we would do with any of our players globally, we have called for a formal investigation into the allegations by the appropriate authorities and an opportunity for the WTA to meet with Peng—privately—to discuss her situation. We continue to hold firm on our position and our thoughts remain with Peng Shuai.”
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