This archive report was first published on 18 November 2021.
On November 18, 2021, tennis legend Serena Williams joined the growing chorus of concern over the disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai. Peng, a former Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion, had alleged that former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had 'forced' her into sex during a long-term on-off relationship.
Williams, a four-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her shock and devastation over Peng's disappearance on Twitter, writing, 'I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai.' She added, 'I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent.'
Williams' tweet was accompanied by a photo of a smiling Peng captioned with #WhereIsPengShuai. She also sent love to Peng and her family during this difficult time.
China's state-run CGTN published a screenshot on Twitter of what it said was an email written by Peng to WTA Tour chairman Steve Simon and other WTA officials. In the email, Peng purportedly claims that her earlier accusations of sexual abuse are 'not true' and says she is 'resting at home and everything is fine.'
However, doubts were quickly flagged about the language used in the purported email from Peng, which Twitter users noted had a cursor visible in the screenshot posted by CGTN. WTA boss Simon said he was struggling to believe the Peng statement was authentic.
Simon added, 'I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.' He called for 'independent and verifiable proof that she is safe.'
China has kept silent over growing concern for the tennis star, whose claims marked the first time its fledgling #MeToo movement has struck at the top echelons of the ruling Communist Party. Beijing has previously faced allegations of using forced confessions on state media.
