Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai is said to have “disappeared” after making sexual assault accusations against former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli.
Before she went missing, Peng used social media to go public with the claim that Zhang – her former boyfriend – invited her to his home and sexually assaulted her.
“I never consented that afternoon, crying all the time,” wrote Peng of the incident, which took place roughly three years ago.
Like Peng herself, the post was deleted almost immediately after it appeared.
Now, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is begging the Chinese government to investigate (though it is likely Beijing is responsible for her disappearance).
“[The] events in China concerning a WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern,” said WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon. “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 utmost seriousness.”
“I’ve known Peng since she was 14; we should all be concerned; this is serious,” added Chris Evert, a personal friend of Peng’s who was once ranked as the world’s best tennis player. “Where is she? Is she safe? Any information would be appreciated.”
Simon told reporters he had received proof of Peng’s safety, though the association has been unable to reach her directly.
Author’s Note: This is what happens in a totalitarian society. Peng came forward with an allegation that threatened to ruin the reputation of a powerful politician. This is unacceptable for the Chinese Communist Party, which claims to be perfect in every way. Rather than treat Peng with respect, CCP officials scrubbed her words from the Internet and likely kidnapped her in order to pressure her into retracting her claim against Zhang.
Source:
Top tennis player accuses official of sexual assault – and then disappears