Andy Murray and Serena Williams are the most prominent names joining the search for missing tennis player Peng Shuai, following her allegations of sexual assault.
She has not been publicly seen since her statement on Chinese social networks in November, that Zhang Gaoli, former vice-premier of doubles World No 1, coerced and forced her into sex three-years ago. They had also had an off-and-on relationship.
Zhang, as well as the Chinese government, have not commented on her allegations. Peng deleted her social media post quickly and it was removed from the discussion board on China’s highly censored internet.
Williams took to social media to express his shock at the loss of Peng Shuai, a peer. I pray that she’s safe and is found quickly.
“This should be investigated. And we cannot afford to remain silent. We send our love and support to her during this difficult time. #whereispengshuai’
Peng Shuai is missing. She posted that Zhang Gaoli, a former Chinese vice-premier, coerced Peng into having sex with him three years ago. They had been in an ongoing relationship.
Andy Murray joined the search to find Peng, the ex-world No.1 doubles player.
Serena Williams was also active on social media, receiving over 24,000 retweets
Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, stated that he would consider pulling all tournaments from China if it isn’t resolved quickly.
Murray also addressed the problem, noting: “Female tennis star Peng Shuai is now unknown. After making sexual abuse allegations against Chinese officials.
“This speech reminds us and gives hope that the future can be better #WhereIsPengShuai.”
Meanwhile, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said it was prepared to pull its tournaments out of China if they were not satisfied with the response to her sexual assault allegation.
Peng’s safety has become a concern for the entire tennis world, and the WTA called for an investigation.
Steve Simon, WTA’s chief executive, said Thursday that the tour will consider pulling tournaments from China in excess of tens to millions of dollars.
In an interview with CNN, he stated that “We are definitely ready to pull our company and deal with any complications that may arise,”
“Because it is certain, this is larger than the business.” Respect for women is essential, not being censored.
Chinese media affiliated with the state revealed that Peng had sent her an email in which she refuted all of her claims regarding sexual assault.
Peng posted the accusations in Weibo’s lengthy social media posting. Her account was then heavily censored.
Peng claimed that Zhang Gaoli, a senior politician, had sexually assaulted Peng in his bedroom while her wife was there
Amazingly, China’s Foreign Ministry claimed that it wasn’t aware of Shuai controversy.
Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Zhao Lijian was not familiar with the facts and did not answer any diplomatic questions.
Since it was reported as an important global story last week, the ministry has always denied any knowledge.
Hu Xijin was a connected Chinese state media journalist who was quick to voice his dismay at the incident on Twitter.
Hu Xijin (editor of Global Times) said on Twitter that Peng Shuai had not been subject to retaliation or repression for talking about the topic.
Global Times is published daily by the People’s Daily (the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily) and Hu maintains an active presence on Twitter. This is not allowed in China. He didn’t make similar comments on his Weibo account, China’s equivalent to Twitter.
As China prepares to host Winter Olympics Beijing in February, there are calls for boycott from international rights groups over China’s human rights records.
International Olympic Committee (IOC), stated it wouldn’t comment.
Naomi Osaka posted her shock on Twitter using #WhereIsPengShuai
Novak Djokovic, the men’s No. 1 in the world of tennis, expressed concern about her disappearance.
An IOC spokesperson stated that “Experience has shown quiet diplomacy is the best way to find solutions for such questions,” “This is why the IOC won’t comment further at this point.”
Jim Banks from Indiana, the US representative for Indiana, said he had written to Joe Biden concerning Peng’s disappearance. He urged him not to forget China.
WTA’s Simon cast doubt upon an email released Wednesday by Chinese state media outlets on Twitter. It purported to come from Peng, and denied the accusations of sexual assault.
His statement was, “It is hard to believe Peng Shuai sent the email that we got” or believed what was being claimed about her.
According to BrandMentions, #WhereIsPengShuai has racked-up more than 32 million mentions via Instagram’s hashtag. It is blocked in China and Twitter as well.
However, China’s cyberspace is tightly controlled and the topic continues to be heavily restricted. Although its official Weibo account was still available, no searches were made for WTA’s official account. Peng’s Weibo name continues to be inaccessible.
A few Chinese users still took to Weibo to express their gratitude for the release of statements by tennis players Williams and Novak Djokovic. One said: “Thanks for speaking out!”