Peng Shuai retracts sexual assault claims as her wellbeing fears persist

In a dramatic turn of events, Peng Shuai has denied that she had accused a former senior official of having sexually assaulted her in an interview with a Singapore media house.

It is believed to be the first foreign press interview held with the Chinese tennis star since her November essay caused a media storm. The claim apparently contradicted a social media post on 2nd November, in which Peng accused the former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of a sexual assault.

The essay was taken down less than 30 minutes after it was published, and Peng became the centre of a global media storm - which included stars such as Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams demanding to know her whereabouts, as well as the involvement of the International Olympic Committee - after she disappeared from public view for more than two weeks following the post.

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