A photo revealing the current situation of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who disappeared after accusing former Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault, has been released. [Photo by Twitter]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Amid suspicions surrounding the disappearance of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai after she revealed sexual assault allegations, a photo purportedly showing her recent condition has been released. However, controversy has arisen over the authenticity of the photo.
Earlier, Peng Shuai had gone missing after she posted on Weibo (China's version of Twitter) on the 2nd, accusing Zhang Gaoli, former Vice Premier of the State Council of China, of sexually assaulting her.
On the 20th, according to UK’s Sky News and others, a journalist from China’s state-run media CGTN posted three photos on their Twitter account, claiming they showed Peng Shuai’s recent appearance.
The photos depict Peng Shuai smiling comfortably, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, in what appears to be someone's room. Judging by her outfit, all three photos are presumed to have been taken on the same day.
The CGTN journalist explained alongside the photos, "A friend of Peng Shuai sent me these pictures." They added that Peng Shuai posted them on the Chinese messenger app WeChat with the message "Have a good weekend."
Netizens immediately raised suspicions after seeing this. Not only is it unclear when the photos were taken, but the fact that they were released through a state-run media journalist seems to carry a particular intention.
One netizen questioned, "To believe that Peng Shuai is safe, she should do a live broadcast. These photos could have been taken weeks ago. And you say a friend of hers shared this? Why would a friend share this?"
Previously, on the 18th, CGTN released an email purportedly sent by Peng Shuai to Steve Simon, chairman of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which also sparked debates over its authenticity.
The email stated, "The sexual assault rumors are not true. I am not missing, nor am I unsafe. I am resting at home and everything is fine."
However, Chairman Simon expressed skepticism, saying, "It is hard to believe that Peng Shuai actually wrote this email," and added, "Concerns about her safety and whereabouts have increased." He also stated, "I have tried to contact Peng Shuai multiple times but failed," and emphasized, "Peng Shuai should be able to express her opinions freely without any coercion."
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