Chinese Diplomat Claims Peng Shuai 'Too Strong' to Have Been Sexually Assaulted
Image copyright: Reuters [via Fox News]
The Facts
A Chinese diplomat has sparked further outrage by arguing that Peng Shuai is unlikely to have been sexually assaulted due to her physical strength.
Shuai denied disappearing last year after making claims of assault against a top Chinese official via social media.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
Her comments were made under tightly controlled conditions. Shuai is likely under immense pressure from the Chinese authorities, and has deliberately avoided commenting on their potential coercion throughout this controversy.
Pro-China narrative
The protests over and attention given to unsubstantiated information is only hurting Shuai herself and will harm her ability to compete fairly. The WTA's boycott of China is entirely unjustified.