Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has once again backtracked on claims that she was forced into a sexual relationship with vice premier Zhang Gaoli.
The 36-year-old disappeared from the public eye after writing an online post detailing the allegations, sparking international concern for her safety and whereabouts.
Shuai has since taken part in video interviews with the IOC and has denied ever accusing Gaoli of assaulting her - a stance she reiterated during a 'highly-controlled' interview with L'Equipe.
"I would like to know: why such concern?... I never said anyone sexually assaulted me. This post resulted in an enormous misunderstanding from the outside world" Shuai told the French outlet, in comments translated from Chinese from a member of China's Olympic Committee.
"My wish is that the meaning of this post no longer be skewed. My romantic problems, my private life, should not be mixed with sport and politics."
L'Equipe were required to submit questions for the interview in advance, and figures both in and outside of tennis remain worried about Shuai possibly being censored despite the latest developments.
