French journalist who spoke to Peng Shuai says doubts remain

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It was the interview many sports journalists wanted: A sit-down with Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, prepped and ready to talk for the first time with Western media about allegations she made of forced sex with a former top-ranked Communist Party official that triggered a global outpouring of fears for her safety.

Marc Ventouillac, one of two journalists for French sports daily L'Equipe who spoke to Peng this week in a restrictive interview arranged with Chinese Olympic officials, says he is still unsure if she is free to say and do what she wants.

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"It’s impossible to say," he said in English. "This interview don’t give proof that there is no problem with Peng Shuai."

China’s intent, however, was clear to him: By granting the interview as Beijing is hosting the Winter Olympics, it appeared that Chinese officials hope to put the controversy to rest, so it doesn’t pollute the event.

"It’s a part of communication, propaganda, from the Chinese Olympic Committee," Ventouillac told The Associated Press on Tuesday, the day after L'Equipe published its exclusive.

With "an interview to a big European newspaper, they can show: 'OK, there is no problem with Peng Shuai. See? Journalists (came), they can ask all the questions they wanted.’"

The interview, as well as a dinner Peng had with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and appearances she made at Olympic venues have shone a deliberate and controlled spotlight on the three-time Olympian and former top-ranked doubles player. On Tuesday, Peng sat with Bach and watched American-born Chinese freestyle skier Eileen Gu win gold at the women’s big air event.