Security officials at the Australia Open told people to remove t-shirts that read, “Free Peng Shuai” and “Where is Peng Shuai?”

The shirts sought to draw attention to the Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai, who went missing after making sexual assault allegations against a retired government official. Peng’s disappearance drew international attention.

The tennis tournament does not allow political referencing. "Under our ticket conditions of entry we don't allow clothing, banners or signs that are commercial or political," a spokesperson told multiple media outlets.

"Peng Shuai's safety is our primary concern. We continue to work with the WTA and global tennis community to seek more clarity on her situation and will do everything we can to ensure her well-being," the spokesperson added.

Peng posted to social media website on Weibo that accused former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli of pressuring Peng to have sex after he and his wife invited her to their home in 2018.

Peng, 35, has since made public statements through videos and some photos that she is safe, after there was no contact from her for a few weeks in November. It has not been completely confirmed that she is safe.

Videos taken by other fans at the tournament show t-shirt wearers talking with the security guards and police.

According to a tweet from Drew Pavlou, an Australian human rights activist, the Peng activists tried to reason with police by asking, “How is it political to simply speak up for Peng Shuai’s rights?”

RELATED STORIES