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.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
One great cookbook: 'Every Grain of Rice' by Fuchsia Dunlop
The Week Recommends The alchemy of Chinese home cooking made accessible
By Scott Hocker, The Week US Published
-
A popular new video game is at the center of China's censorship dispute
In the Spotlight 'Black Myth: Wukong' has more than a million players, but some are criticizing China's oversight of the game
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
7 captivating new UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore
The Week Recommends These sites have cultural, historical and scientific significance and the international organization's fresh stamp of approval
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
5 cities known for their animal residents
The Week Recommends From penguins in Cape Town to pandas in Chengdu
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Why deepfakes of dead loved ones are big business in China
Under The Radar AI-generated avatars of deceased 'builds on China's long cultural history of communicating with the dead'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published