Where is Peng Shuai? Chinese tennis star missing after ‘Me Too’ claims

Peng Shuai, former World No 1, has been reportedly missing since she alleged that a former Chinese vice premier coerced her into sex. The World Tennis Association, on Sunday, called on the government to conduct a transparent investigation on her accusations. 

Peng, on social media earlier this month, claimed that she and Zhang Gaoli had an on-off relationship lasting several years and he forced her into sex. The Weibo post appeared to have been deleted, AFP reports.

However, the Chinese athlete’s whereabouts are not known since.  The WTA said in a statement on Sunday that it will seek a “full, fair and transparent investigation into sexual assault allegations against the former Chinese leader”.

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“The recent events in China concerning WTA player, Peng Shuai, are of deep concern,” said WTA Tour 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 the utmost seriousness.  In all societies, the behaviour 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.

“We expect this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.”

American former World No 1 Chris Evert tweeted, “Yes, these accusations are 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.”

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“The fact that Peng Shuai is missing is not only the WTA’s problem. We are all concerned,” French star Nicholas Mahut tweeted. 

British star Liam Broady wrote, “I can’t believe that this is even happening in the 21st century.”

Peng became the World No 1 doubles player in 2014. She won 23 tour-level doubles titles, including at Wimbledon in 2013 and the French Open in 2014.