WTA Tour President Steve Simon said on Wednesday that the women’s tennis circuit is postponing all tournaments in China over concerns over the safety of Chinese player Peng Shuai.
The WTA had planned 11 events in China this year before Covid-19 forced them to move or cancel.
“I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong,” Simon said.
Following allegations of sexual assault against a powerful politician, Simon remains concerned about Peng.
Simon said, “In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask my athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and to deny allegations of sexual harassment.” pressure has been exerted.”
“Given the current situation, I am also very concerned about the risks that all our players and staff may face if we hold events in China in 2022.”
The 35-year-old Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion Peng was not seen for more than two weeks after her allegations that former deputy prime minister Zhang Gaoli, now in her 70s, had sexually assaulted her over the course of a year-long run. Forced on-and-off relationships.
Peng’s claims against Zhang are the first time China’s #MeToo movement has touched the highest echelons of the ruling Communist Party.
On Sunday, official photos from the Beijing tennis tournament showed Peng among attendees, and he participated in a video call with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on the same day.
Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics in February.
“While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that he is free, secure, and not subject to censorship, coercion, and intimidation,” Simon said.
“The WTA is clear about what is needed here and we reiterate our call for a full and transparent investigation – without censorship – into the sexual assault allegations of Peng Shuai.
“None of this is acceptable nor can it be acceptable. If powerful people can stifle women’s voices and stifle allegations of sexual harassment, the premise on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – will suffer a major setback.
“I will not and will not allow this to happen to the WTA and its players.”
Losing events in China would be a blow to the WTA, but Simon said, “China’s leaders have left the WTA no choice.”
Simon said, “I am very sorry that it has come to this point. However, unless China takes the steps we demand, we cannot put our players and staff at risk by holding events in China.”
“I hope that our arguments will be heard and that the Chinese authorities will take steps to legitimately resolve this issue.”
‘immediate’ so to speak
The European Union, the United Nations, the United States and Britain have all demanded proof of Peng’s whereabouts and well being.
“I am satisfied with the enormous amount of international support the WTA has received for its position on this matter,” Simon said.
“For the safety of Peng and many other women around the world, it is more important than ever for people to speak up.”
“The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. As we do so, I hope that leaders around the world will continue to speak up so that justice is done for Peng and all women, regardless of the financial implications.”
Peng’s social media message revealing sexual harassment has been taken off the internet and the issue has been censored in China.
Simon said, “Chinese authorities have been provided an opportunity to end this censorship, verifiablely prove that Peng is independent and able to speak without interference or intimidation, and to conduct sexual acts in a complete, fair and transparent manner.” Investigate allegations of harassment.”
“Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this serious issue in any credible way.”
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