Peng Shuai, a three-time Olympian, has again denied sexual assault allegations, in her first interview with western media since she accused Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault.
While talking to French sports daily L'Equipe, on Sunday, once again the 36-year old denied that she ever said anyone sexually assaulted her. During the interview, she even indicated that she might retire from the sport, citing age and multiple surgeries as reasons.
The Chinese tennis player once alleged former Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault via a post on the country’s social media platform—Weibo—in early November. The post was immediately removed and Peng disappeared for close to three weeks, which led the Women's Tennis Association to suspend games in the country. Peng had released a statement in December stating the post on Weibo was a misunderstanding, and she never made such allegations of sexual misconduct.
