WTA calls for investigation into tennis player’s assault claims against former Chinese official

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is calling for an investigation into the assault allegations one of its player made against a former senior Chinese government official. 

In a now-deleted social media post, Peng Shuai accused former vice president Zhang Gaoli of forcing her to have sex with him despite repeated refusals after a round of tennis in 2018, according to the Associated Press. 

“We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.” WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in a statement on Sunday. 

Statement from Steve Simon, Chairman & CEO, WTA

WTA seeks full, fair and transparent investigation into sexual assault allegations against former Chinese leader and also calls for end of censorship against Peng Shuai.

— wta (@WTA) November 14, 2021

“I was so frightened that afternoon, never thinking that this thing could happen,” Peng said in her Weibo post. 

Peng was previously the world No. 1 ranked doubles player and is a two-times grand slam doubles champion. 

Zhang, who retired in 2018, was a member of the Communist Party’s powerful Politburo Standing Committee.

The WTA’s statement suggested that Peng’s accusation was censored, and said the allegations deserve to be investigated — though it did not say specifically who should investigate. 

“Peng Shuai, and all women, deserve to be heard, not censored. Her accusation about the conduct of a former Chinese leader involving a sexual assault must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Simon said.

“In all societies, the behavior she alleges that took place needs to be investigated, not condoned or ignored. We commend Peng Shuai for her remarkable courage and strength in coming forward. Women around the world are finding their voices so injustices can be corrected,” he added.

Peng’s accusation is the first against a high-ranking Chinese government official since 2018, when authorities reined in the initial #MeToo movement in the country, the AP noted.