Women's Tennis Association threatens to pull out of China over Peng Shuai's disappearance


Women's Tennis Association CEO Steve Simon is threatening to pull out of China over the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai after receiving an apparently "staged statement" attributed to her.
Simon spoke with CNN amid growing concern for Peng, whose whereabouts have been unknown after she made an allegation of sexual assault against a former Chinese official. The WTA chair has been demanding assurances that Peng is safe and calling for an investigation into her allegations, and he told CNN that "we're definitely willing to pull our business" out of China and "deal with all the complications that come with it," adding, "This is bigger than the business."
Simon also said that "we're at a crossroads with our relationship" with China, which he described as "very sad" because "we have some amazing relationships over there." But "we have to start, as a world, making decisions that are based upon right and wrong, period," he said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The WTA chair previously received an email attributed to Peng, which was shared by Chinese state media. But he said he doubted Peng actually wrote it, especially since the email walks back her sexual assault allegations. Simon on CNN said he doesn't believe this "staged statement" and that he still has "very strong concerns" about Peng. He also said he responded to the email but never heard back and "won't be comfortable until we have a chance to speak with her directly."
Serena Williams became the latest major athlete to speak out about Peng's disappearance, tweeting Thursday that she's "devastated and shocked" over the news. "I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible," Williams wrote. "This must be investigated and we must not stay silent." Naomi Osaka also said this week, "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."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
How will the next pope change the Catholic Church?
Talking Points Conclaves can be unpredictable
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
Conspiracy theorists circle again following RFK file release
The Explainer Both RFK and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, have been the subjects of conspiracies
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
7 equestrian activities for when you feel like horsin' around
The Week Recommends These graceful animals make any experience better
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
Following the Tea Horse Road in China
The Week Recommends This network of roads and trails served as vital trading routes
By The Week UK
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Hands-on experiences that let travelers connect with the culture
The Week Recommends Sharpen your sense of place through these engaging activities
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Hotel-hopping in Shanghai
The Week Recommends From Michelin-starred restaurants to tranquil spas, these are the swankiest spots in the city
By Crystal Bennes
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US