MY ACCOUNT
Peng Shuai’s recent interview with French news outlet L’Equipe “does not alleviate any of our concerns”, WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon has said.
In November, Peng posted claims on Chinese social media site Weibo that she had been sexually assaulted by the former Chinese vice-premier, before disappearing from public view and later denying making the allegations in a video interview posted by a Singaporean Chinese-language newspaper.
The situation led to widespread concern for Peng’s wellbeing, initiating the #WhereIsPengShuai campaign, while the WTA went as far as suspending Chinese tennis tournaments.
Peng spoke to L’Equipe from Beijing, where the Winter Olympics are being hosted, and insisted there was no reason for concern.
“Sexual assault? I never said anyone had sexually assaulted me in any way,” Peng said.
“There was a huge misunderstanding in the outside world following this post. I don’t want the meaning of this post to be twisted anymore. And I don’t want any further media hype around it.”
In a statement posted on the WTA’s official website, Simon said he was not convinced by Peng’s interview and reiterated his call for a formal investigation to be undertaken into her initial claims.
“It’s always good to see Peng Shuai, whether in an interview or attending the Olympic Games,” Simon said in a statement published on the WTA’s official website.
“However, her recent in-person interview does not alleviate any of our concerns about her initial post from November 2. 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.”
