記者許瑞瑜／綜合報導
中國網球名將彭帥上月初在微博發聲，驚爆遭中國前副總理張高麗性侵事件後，中國雖數度公布相片，但始終未能減輕各界對彭帥人身安全的疑慮，WTA主席西蒙（Steve Simon）1日宣佈，全面暫停中國和香港承辦WTA巡迴賽。
WTA主席西蒙在聲明中表示，中國政府自事件發生一個月，仍未全面調查及處置，也未能提出可信服的證據，顯示彭帥免於脅迫或恐嚇威脅，這和WTA追求的「女性平權」理念嚴重衝突，所以作出暫停賽事的決定。
中國曾承辦多項WTA重大賽事，2019年之前計有包括深圳年終賽、珠海菁英賽在內共10站巡迴賽事，在中國和深圳舉行，但新冠肺炎疫情之後到目前為止，所有原定在中國和香港舉行的WTA賽事已全部停擺。
WTA主席西蒙（Steve Simon）聲明原文如下：
Statement by Steve Simon, WTA Chairman & CEO
“When on November 2, 2021, Peng Shuai posted an allegation of sexual assault against a top Chinese government official, the Women’s Tennis Association recognized that Peng Shuai’s message had to be listened to and taken seriously. The players of the WTA, not to mention women around the world, deserve nothing less.
From that moment forward, Peng Shuai demonstrated the importance of speaking out, particularly when it comes to sexual assault, and especially when powerful people are involved. As Peng said in her post, “Even if it is like an egg hitting a rock, or if I am like a moth drawn to the flame, inviting self-destruction, I will tell the truth about you." She knew the dangers she would face, yet she went public anyway. I admire her strength and courage.
Since then, Peng’s message has been removed from the internet and discussion of this serious issue has been censored in China. Chinese officials have been provided the opportunity to cease this censorship, verifiably prove that Peng is free and able to speak without interference or intimidation, and investigate the allegation of sexual assault in a full, fair and transparent manner. Unfortunately, the leadership in China has not addressed this very serious issue in any credible way. While we now know where Peng is, I have serious doubts that she is free, safe and not subject to censorship, coercion and intimidation. The WTA has been clear on what is needed here, and we repeat our call for a full and transparent investigation – without censorship – into Peng Shuai’s sexual assault accusation.
None of this is acceptable nor can it become acceptable. If powerful people can suppress the voices of women and sweep allegations of sexual assault under the rug, then the basis on which the WTA was founded – equality for women – would suffer an immense setback. I will not and cannot let that happen to the WTA and its players.
As a result, and with the full support of the WTA Board of Directors, I am announcing the immediate suspension of all WTA tournaments in China, including Hong Kong. In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete there when Peng Shuai is not allowed to communicate freely and has seemingly been pressured to contradict her allegation of sexual assault. Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China in 2022.
I have been gratified by the massive amount of international support the WTA has received for its position on this matter. To further protect Peng and many other women throughout the world, it is more urgent than ever for people to speak out. The WTA will do everything possible to protect its players. As we do so, I hope leaders around the world will continue to speak out so justice can be done for Peng, and all women, no matter the financial ramifications.