Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, 35, has not been seen or heard from since posting sexual assault allegations against the former vice-premier of China, Zhang Gaoli. She wrote online on Nov. 2 that the 75-year-old pressured her into sex. The post was quickly taken down by the country's internet censors.
Since her post, a growing number of athletes have voiced their concern for Peng's safety, as she has not been heard from at all.
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka is the latest to speak out. She headed to Twitter to comment on the censorship of the post, as well as the disappearance of Peng.
Osaka wrote:
"Censorship is never OK at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and OK. I'm in shock of the current situation and I'm sending love and light her way."
. #WhereIsPengShuai pic.twitter.com/51qcyDtzLq
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) November 16, 2021
Others from the tennis world have also spoken out on the situation, including the WTA.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King wrote, "Hoping that Peng Shuai is found safe and that her accusations are fully investigated."
Hoping that Peng Shuai is found safe and that her accusations are fully investigated. pic.twitter.com/E9z3kjOOgS
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) November 14, 2021
Novak Djokovic said the situation was shocking to him.
Novak #Djokovic: "When I heard the story of Peng Shuai I was shocked. I hope she is well and that we can find her as soon as possible"#NittoATPFinals #WhereIsPengShuai pic.twitter.com/XkWmQFpzEF
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) November 15, 2021
Chris Evert tweeted, "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."
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.🙏 https://t.co/RH0aYCDqQm
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) November 14, 2021
Here are some other responses:
Let's not remain silent #WhereIsPengShuai 😰😰😰
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) November 13, 2021
A very strong stance by WTA- and the correct stance!👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/Sm35uOoUDZ
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) November 14, 2021
The fact that Peng Shuai is missing is not only the WTA's problem. We are all concerned. @atptour @ITFTennis #whereispengshuai #stopthesilence https://t.co/juunFXnuSK
— Nico Mahut (@nmahut) November 14, 2021
Since Peng's post, references to the 35-year-old have been scrubbed from China's internet.
