Peng Shuai MeToo Allegation: Women's Tennis Association has expressed concern over Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai's allegations of sexual harassment against former vice-premier, Zhang Gaoli. Shuai had made her accusation on November 2, in a post on Chinese social networking site Weibo. However, her post was censored and deleted from the website later.
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This is the first time a top leader in China's political system has been accused of sexual assault. In her post, Peng Shuai said that she was "forced" into a sexual relationship with Gaoli. The tennis player also said that she will not be able to provide proof of the sexual assault.
Chief Executive of the Women's Tennis Association Steve Simons said in a statement shared on the organisation's website that as an organisation dedicated to women, we remain committed to the principles we were founded on - equality, opportunity and respect.
" In all societies, the behavior 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."
Simons said that the organisation expected this issue to be handled properly, meaning the allegations must be investigated fully, fairly, transparently and without censorship.
Ten Things To Know About Peng Shuai:
- 35-year-old Peng is a former number one doubles player.
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- She has won two Grand Slam titles- French Open in 2014 and Wimbledon in 2013.
- She won both of these titles along with Hsieh Su-wei, a player from Taiwan.
- In 2011, she stood 14 in women's singles ranking and in 2014, she entered the semifinals for the United States Open Singles.
- She was first introduced to the sport by her uncle.
- It was in the year 2000 that she played her first match at an event in ITF Circuit in China.
- Shuai won her first title when she was 15-year-old.
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- The player has come under media focus now for writing a #MeToo post on the Chinese social media platform, Weibo, where she accused a former vice-premier of forcing her into a sexual relationship.
- In an open letter the player also wrote that the couple was in an extramarital affair and that three years ago Gaoli had called her to his house and raped her under the pretext of playing tennis.
- The former vice-premier, whose term spanned from 2013 to 2018, has not responded to the allegations.
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