According to reports, Peng Shuai, who reappeared Sunday telling Olympic officials in a video call from Beijing that she was safe, had been missing for weeks after making sexual assault allegations against a former member of the Communist Party’s ruling Standing Committee, Zhang Gaoli.
On Nov. 16, Osaka wrote on Twitter, “I was recently informed of a fellow tennis player that has gone missing shortly after revealing that she has been sexually abused. Censorship is never OK at any cost, I hope Peng Shuai and her family are safe and OK. I’m in shock of [sic] the current situation and I’m sending love and light her way.”
Serena Williams also posted support for Shuai, tweeting, “I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
