Story at a glance
- The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is urging China to investigate sexual assault accusations made by tennis star Peng Shuai against former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli.
- Peng wrote in a quickly deleted social media post that Zhang, once a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee, had coerced her into sex and that they also had a periodic consensual relationship.
- Peng wrote that Zhang, now 75-years-old, invited her to play tennis around three years ago before allegedly sexually assaulting her in his home.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is urging China to investigate sexual assault accusations made by tennis star Peng Shuai against former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli.
Peng wrote in a quickly deleted social media post that Zhang, once a member of China’s Politburo Standing Committee, had coerced her into sex and that they also had a periodic consensual relationship, Reuters reported. Yet the 35-year-old said in the post she could provide no evidence to support her allegations.
Peng reportedly wrote in the post that Zhang, now 75-years-old, invited her to play tennis around three years ago before allegedly sexually assaulting her in his home.
“I never consented that afternoon, crying all the time,” she wrote.
America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.
WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in a statement on Sunday the “events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern.”
“As an organization dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on – equality, opportunity and respect,” Simon said.
“Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored,” he continued. “Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness.”
Simon told The New York Times he received confirmation from sources at the Chinese Tennis Association that Peng was “safe and not under any physical threat.” But Simon added that no one in the WTA has been able to reach her.
Former world #1 ranked player Chris Evert, who has a personal connection to Peng, called the situation “very disturbing.”
“I’ve known Peng since she was 14; we should all be concerned; this is serious; where is she? Is she safe? Any information would be appreciated,” Evert wrote on Twitter.
READ MORE STORIES FROM CHANGING AMERICA
SHARKS SPOTTED IN FAMOUS RIVER THAT RUNS THROUGH LONDON
GIANT INVASIVE PYTHONS ARE SLITHERING NORTH IN FLORIDA
SENIOR NIH EXPERT PUSHES BACK ON GROWING VACCINE MANDATES
BIZARRE NEW SPECIES OF BEAKED WHALE DISCOVERED THAT LIVES 6,000 FEET DEEP
SESAME STREET’S BIG BIRD SPARKS COVID-19 CONTROVERSY
Published on Nov 15,2021