Concerns raised about the security of a Chinese tennis star’s email

A Chinese professional tennis player who has not been seen in public after accusing a former senior government official of sexual harassment allegedly sent an email claiming she was safe. Concerns raised the allegations were false, a message that only heightens fears for her safety. And requires information about her: welfare and location.

So far, this appeal has been quietly receive.

Chinese authorities have not said anything publicly since Grand Slam winner Peng Shuai was accuse of sexual harassment by Zhang Gaoli two weeks ago. The first #MeToo case to touch the political realm in China was not reported by local media. And its online discussion was heavily censure.

Steve Simon, President also CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association questioned the authenticity of an email addressed to him by Chinese state media. Peng said she was safe, and the assault allegations were false. This was announce by CGTN, the international division of China’s state television CCTV, on Thursday.

“It’s hard for me to accept that Peng Shuai wrote the email we received or believe. What was linked to him,” Simon wrote. The statement, she added, “only escalates my security and location concerns.”

Simon called for a full investigation, and the WTA said it was ready to withdraw the tournament from the country if it did not get an adequate response. Top players also Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic have spoken, and the hashtag WhereisPengShuai was update online. Serena Williams tweet that she was “devastate also shock to learn the news” about Peng.

“I hope she is safe and can be found as soon as possible,” Williams wrote. “It must be investigate, and we must not be silent.” International Tennis Federation spokeswoman Heather Bowler stated Thursday. That the umbrella organization is in touch with the China Tennis Federation and is in touch with the WTA. And the International Olympic Committee.