Jeremy Renner, star of Marvel’s Hawkeye and Paramount’s Mayor of Kingstown, has been accused by Chinese filmmaker Yi Zhou of sending explicit photos and making threats following the breakdown of their personal and professional relationship. Zhou alleges these actions occurred during their interactions in mid-2025, bringing renewed attention to Renner amid his ongoing career.
Details of Zhou’s Claims
Yi Zhou revealed on Instagram that Renner contacted her in June 2025 through Instagram and WhatsApp, sending her unsolicited intimate photos and pornographic videos without her consent. Their relationship reportedly turned romantic, and Zhou later involved Renner in two of her film projects: a documentary called Chronicles of Disney and an animated movie. She shared screenshots with the Daily Mail to support her accusations, including one that showed a short pornographic clip sent by Renner.
Incident During a Reno Meeting
Zhou described a volatile episode on August 20 during a production meeting held at Renner’s home in Reno, Nevada. According to her account, Renner became intoxicated after consuming a bottle of wine and erupted in a furious outburst lasting about two hours. Zhou locked herself in a room as she feared for her safety amid the actor’s behavior. Texts she exchanged with colleagues during the event depict her describing Renner as “violent” and “crazy,” with friends urging her to remain barricaded in the bathroom. Zhou responded that she hoped “he can’t open” the door.
Threats Involving Immigration Authorities
Following Zhou’s request that Renner respect her professionally, the situation escalated further. She accuses Renner of threatening to contact immigration enforcement against her. Zhou produced messages in which Renner wrote,
Immigration will be notified of your—,
though the full message was not disclosed.
Claims of Exploitation and Denial
Zhou told the Daily Mail that after their fallout became public, Renner denied both their romantic involvement and joint work on film projects. She accused him of refusing to promote the films they created together and stated she felt “used” by him. Social media posts by Zhou from September showed the two driving near his home, sparking earlier speculation about a romantic connection.
Broader Commentary on Industry Treatment
In a series of Instagram updates, Zhou positioned her experience as emblematic of broader challenges faced by women and Asian filmmakers in the industry. She wrote,
how women and Asian filmmakers and filmmakers overall are still being mistreated.
Zhou’s posts have exceeded two dozen updates on this matter. She previously dated Jared Leto, about whom she has spoken positively, even as Leto faces separate misconduct allegations.
Lack of Response from Renner’s Team
As of now, representatives for Jeremy Renner have not issued any statements regarding Zhou’s accusations. Renner’s past includes surviving a near-fatal snowplow accident in 2023, as well as previous high-profile allegations. In 2019, his ex-wife Sonni Pacheco accused him of drug use, threats, and erratic behavior during a custody dispute; Renner denied those claims. The couple currently share joint custody of their daughter.
