Videos Appearing To Show Tennis Star Peng Shuai Emerge, IOC Says She Is ‘Doing Fine’ Following Video Call

A day after the United Nations and the White House called for “proof” on the whereabouts of missing Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, video of the former number one women’s doubles player emerged via Chinese state media. 

Peng had not been seen in public since November 2nd when she accused former Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexually assaulting her three years ago. Her post was deleted nearly 30 minutes after publication on Peng’s Weibo account, a Chinese social media platform. 

On Saturday, Hu Xijin — editor in chief of the Global Times — posted two videos to his Twitter account showing Peng entering a restaurant and having a conversation while eating dinner with “her coach and friends.” 

“I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant,” Xijin posted. “The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time.”

I acquired two video clips, which show Peng Shuai was having dinner with her coach and friends in a restaurant. The video content clearly shows they are shot on Saturday Beijing time. pic.twitter.com/HxuwB5TfBk

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021

Xijin then posted a second video of what appears to be Peng entering the restaurant. 

This is the second clip. pic.twitter.com/BWzdBkIJ94

— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) November 20, 2021

According to Reuters, “The Global Times is published by the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of China’s ruling Communist Party.”

WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon responded to the videos, saying they were “insufficient.” 

“While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference,” Simon said. “This video alone is insufficient. As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug. I have been clear about what needs to happen and our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”

On Sunday, additional videos of Peng were posted by Xijin, which show Peng attending a youth tennis tournament in Beijing. 

“Peng Shuai showed up at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final in Beijing on Sunday morning,” Xijin said. “Global Times photo reporter Cui Meng captured her at scene.”

Peng Shuai showed up at the opening ceremony of a teenager tennis match final in Beijing on Sunday morning. Global Times photo

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases