Concerns are growing for the safety and wellbeing of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, as the world wonders where she is
There are fresh fears over Peng’s wellbeing after an email supposedly written by her retracted allegations of sexual assault against a senior politician.
In the email, the 35-year-old star allegedly claims she is absolutely fine and is simply “resting at home” despite not being heard of or seen since November 2 when she used social media to accuse former Chinese vice-premier of sexual assault.
The head of the Women’s Tennis Association has issued a warning to China amid concerns for the welfare of Peng.
Serena Williams has joined a chorus of concern…. saying she is devastated and shocked and calls for an investigation because “we must not stay silent”
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. #whereispengshuaipic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6
The head of the world body for women’s tennis says he’s even more worried about the welfare of Chinese player Peng Shuai after China’s state media published an email it says is from her.
The 35-year-old tennis star has not been seen in public since she alleged on social media that former Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli coerced her into sex, and that they later had an on-off consensual relationship.
On Wednesday, Chinese state-affiliated media outlet CGTN released on Twitter what it said was an email Peng had sent to the chairman of the Women’s Tennis Association, Steve Simon.
In the email, Peng says the allegation of assault was untrue.
But Simon has been quick to cast doubt on its validity.
In a written statement, he said: “The statement released today by Chinese state media concerning Peng Shuai only raises my concerns as to her safety and whereabouts… I have a hard time believing that Peng Shuai actually wrote the email we received or believes what is being attributed to her.”
The email which CGTN attributes to Peng says: “I’m not missing, nor am I unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine.”
China’s State Council Information Office and the Chinese Tennis Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Neither did a representative for Peng.
On Thursday (November 18), China’s Foreign Ministry was dismissive when asked about the email
“This is not a foreign affairs matter. And I am not aware of the relevant situation you mentioned.”
Peng was the first Chinese player to top the world rankings when she was doubles number one in 2014.
Zhang, who is 40 years her senior, was a vice premier between 2013 and 2018.
“The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice” had its world premiere at The Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.
The new documentary explores the controversial legal challenges faced by John Eastman, a prominent constitutional scholar and former adviser to President Donald Trump.
The Madison Media Fund released the film, which delves into claims that Eastman and other conservative attorneys have been unfairly targeted for their legal representation of Trump following the 2020 presidential election.
Thee film raises broader questions about free speech and the ability of attorneys to represent politically divisive clients without facing personal or professional retribution.
President-elect Trump along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio attended the film’s premiere with other dignitaries, guests, and members of the media.
The film’s release comes amid ongoing national debates over judicial impartiality and the balance between legal representation and political activism.
The message of “The Eastman Dilemma” seeks to spark a national conversation about fairness in the legal system and the rights of attorneys to provide counsel without fear of career-ending consequences.
Several high-profile attendees discussed on the red carpet the main themes surrounding the documentary and Trump’s second term in office including Eastman, Peter Navarro, Gen. Michael Flynn, David Freiheit, Kevin and Sam Sorbo, Michael Harris, Philip Nicozisis, and Gabriela Berrospi.
New film questions the fairness of the Justice System in politically charged cases
A newly released documentary, “The Eastman Dilemma: Lawfare or Justice,” delves into the controversial legal battles surrounding John Eastman, a constitutional scholar and former adviser to President Donald Trump.
The film produced by the Madison Media Fund and released in early 2025, examines claims that Eastman and other conservative attorneys faced disproportionate professional repercussions for their legal defense of Trump following the 2020 presidential election.
Eastman, a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, has maintained his stance that his legal counsel was constitutionally justified, despite widespread criticism and professional consequences.
His involvement in the aftermath of the 2020 election, including disputes over electoral certifications, made him a target in high-profile investigations.
Florida’s Attorney General to replace Marco Rubio following his expected confirmation as Secretary of State
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday his decision to appoint state Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate, pending Senator Marco Rubio’s expected confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of State. Rubio, a two-term senator, is widely anticipated to step down after Trump’s inauguration, making way for Moody’s appointment.
Moody, who has served as Florida’s attorney general since 2019, has been a key political ally of DeSantis, often collaborating on high-profile legal challenges and conservative policy initiatives.
Her alignment with DeSantis on issues such as law enforcement support, immigration enforcement, and state autonomy has solidified her as a prominent figure in Florida’s political landscape.
DeSantis praised Moody’s qualifications and commitment to public service, stating she would bring a “principled, conservative voice” to Washington, D.C. Moody’s appointment would mark a continuation of the state’s GOP leadership in the Senate, reinforcing the Republican majority ahead of Trump’s administration taking office.
Rubio’s departure comes as Trump assembles a Cabinet filled with loyalists and prominent conservatives. His selection as Secretary of State underscores Trump’s focus on experienced political figures in key diplomatic roles.
Moody’s appointment to the Senate, if confirmed, would likely shape legislative debates on issues ranging from judicial reform to national security.
