Wuhan virologist Dr. Shi Zhengli denies COVID-19 lab leak theory in rare interview

• "I'm sure that I did nothing wrong," she told The New York Times. "So I have nothing to fear."

In a rare interview with The New York Times, Wuhan virologist Dr. Shi Zhengli denied claims that the COVID-19 virus originated in the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

"My lab has never conducted or cooperated in conducting gain-of-function experiments that enhance the virulence of viruses," she told The Times. Experts in the international community have struggled to gain transparent access to the lab, in order to determine the coronavirus' origin.

"How on earth can I offer up evidence for something where there is no evidence?" Zhengli said in the interview. "I don't know how the world has come to this, constantly pouring filth on an innocent scientist," she said.

Dr. Zhengli said that claims that the lab bolstered the virus and kept information about it's spread under wraps are "speculation rooted in utter distrust."

"I'm sure that I did nothing wrong," she told the Times. "So I have nothing to fear."