Chinese language participant Peng Shuai deserves “to be heard, not censored” after publicly accusing the nation’s former vice-premier of sexual assault, says the Girls’s Tennis Affiliation.
In a publish on Chinese language social media web site Weibo, Peng mentioned she was “pressured” right into a sexual relationship with Zhang Gaoli.
“The occasions regarding Peng Shuai are of deep concern,” mentioned the WTA.
“The allegations have to be investigated totally, pretty, transparently and with out censorship.”
Peng, 35, is a former world primary doubles participant who has received two Grand Slam titles – at Wimbledon in 2013 and the 2014 French Open, each alongside Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei.
She additionally achieved a career-high singles rankings of 14 in 2011 and reached the US Open singles semi-finals in 2014.
Peng’s allegations had been made earlier this month and shortly deleted from China’s web. It’s the first time such a declare has been made in opposition to certainly one of China’s senior political leaders.
Zhang, 75, has not responded to her claims.
He served as China’s vice-premier between 2013 and 2018 and was an in depth ally of President Xi Jinping.
Peng acknowledged that she wouldn’t be capable of present proof to again up her claims.
“As an organisation devoted to ladies, we stay dedicated to the rules we had been based on – equality, alternative and respect,” mentioned WTA chief government Steve Simon.
“Peng Shuai, and all ladies, need to be heard, not censored. Her accusation concerning the conduct of a former Chinese language chief involving a sexual assault have to be handled with the utmost seriousness.
“In all societies, the behaviour that she alleges befell must be investigated, not condoned or ignored.
“We commend Peng Shuai for her exceptional braveness and energy in coming ahead. Girls world wide are discovering their voices so injustices might be corrected.
“Our absolute and unwavering precedence is the well being and security of our gamers. We’re talking out so justice might be executed.”
