A reporter from Chinese state media on Saturday posted photos and videos of missing Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai on Twitter in an effort to dispel concern about her disappearance after she accused a senior political leader of sexual assault.
The videos - posted by Shen Shiwei, who works for Chinese state media CGTN - appear to show Peng at a restaurant with friends, who are her coach and friends, according to Shen.
On Friday, Hu Xijin, the editor of Global Times, an English-language tabloid, said on Twitter that Peng would "show up in public" soon.
Shen also posted some photos that showed Peng with a gray cat and holding a panda figurine. His Twitter post came after CGTN this week distributed a statement it said came from Peng that retracted the accusations against Zhang. There was no indication of when the pictures were taken.
Steve Simon, the chairman and CEO of the Women's Tennis Association released a statement Saturday questioning Peng's freedom, "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. 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." Simon said.